Justin Fratantuono Baltimore MD Obituary and Death – The community of Charleston, South Carolina, and Baltimore, Maryland, is mourning the untimely passing of Justin John Fratantuono, 32, who died on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. A dedicated husband, father, Naval Academy graduate, and NPTU project analyst for the Naval Nuclear Laboratory, Justin’s passing leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, and love that will be remembered by all who knew him. The circumstances of his death have not been made public by the family.
Born on August 13, 1993, in Baltimore, Maryland, Justin was the beloved son of Janine Fratantuono-Cox and Gary Fratantuono. He grew up surrounded by the support of family, friends, and a close-knit community that recognized his determination and drive early in life. After graduating from high school, he pursued his passion for engineering and leadership by enrolling at the United States Naval Academy, where he graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering.
Following graduation, Justin married his high school sweetheart in the historic Naval Academy Chapel, a union that blossomed into a life filled with joy, family, and love.
During his military career, Justin proudly served his country as a submarine officer on the USS Kentucky (SSBN 737), based in Silverdale, Washington. He later accepted a shore duty assignment as a shift engineer on the USS Daniel Webster (MTS 626) at the Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) in Charleston. His service demonstrated not only his technical expertise but also his unwavering commitment to duty and country.
After transitioning out of active military service, Justin continued his career at NPTU as a project analyst for the Naval Nuclear Laboratory. His ability to merge leadership with technical insight made him an invaluable contributor to the mission of national security. His dedication to professional growth led him to pursue further education, earning an MBA from the University of South Carolina and a graduate certificate in Technical Project Management from The Citadel.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Justin was known for his warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm for life. He loved sports from a young age, playing baseball throughout high school and later participating in local softball leagues. At the Naval Academy, he discovered a passion for powerlifting, and in his adult years, he enjoyed golf outings with family and friends. He was also a devoted fan of Navy football, proudly cheering on the Midshipmen.
Above all, Justin cherished his role as a husband and father. His greatest joy came from time spent with his wife, Emily, and their daughters, Quinn Julia and newborn Theodora Mary. He loved sharing family trips to Disney World, encouraging Quinn in her Irish dance journey—even competing in a father-daughter figure dance—and treasuring quiet moments with baby Theodora.
Justin’s memory will live on through his wife, Emily; daughters, Quinn and Theodora; parents, Janine and Gary; brother, Dominic (Skyler); step-siblings, Megan Cox and Michael Allen Cox; in-laws James and Patrice Sadler; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Visitation will take place from 6:30–8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025, at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, Mount Pleasant, SC, with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, Charleston, SC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Justin and Emily’s Education Fund in support of his children’s future.
Justin Fratantuono will be remembered as a man of faith, family, and service, whose light will continue to shine in the lives of those he touched.
