Today, we mourn the passing of Club Cafe Founder and Vice President Frank A. Ribaudo. Frank was a positive force in Boston and beyond, having fostered a practice of community and caring. He was sainted by the Boston Sisters on August 25th, 2012 as Frank the Visionary in recognition for all he did and continued doing, with his Saint name chosen for his forethought of what could be.
An announcement of his passing was posted by Club Cafe to their Facebook page. We can think of no better words to honor Frank, so we have quoted and linked it below.
The Boston Sisters express our deepest sympathy to Frank’s husband and family, as well as his family and colleagues from the past and present at the Metropolitan Gym, and Club Café. We appreciate everything you have done for the community Frank. Thank you.
“Club Café announces with profound sadness the passing of our founder and Vice President, Frank A. Ribaudo.
In 1983, Frank and his friends belonged to a gym just down the street from Club Café, where they were being harassed and discriminated against. Refusing to accept this treatment, they left and found a space to open an LGBTQ+ gym—a place where the community could work out safely and with dignity.
Soon after, they opened Club Café as a gathering space to grab a bite to eat and relax after workouts. From those early days to today, Frank became a true champion for the LGBTQ+ community.
In the mid-1980s, when a new disease—later known as HIV/AIDS—ravaged our community, Frank opened our doors for community dinners, fundraisers, and meetings to mobilize and change public policy. He never wavered in his commitment to supporting those living with HIV/AIDS. In 2003, alongside his good friend Michael Tye, Frank helped create the Harbor to the Bay AIDS Benefit Bike Ride, serving for 22 years as its treasurer, crew member, and organizer. The community dinners he began continue at Club Café to this day, bringing together those living with HIV/AIDS and providing information about programs and new therapies.
Frank also believed we are stronger when we come together and championed getting the LGBTQ+ community “out of the bars and onto the fields.” He knew this would strengthen our communities and promote health and wellness. He established the Community Support Fund, dedicating all the money Club Café raised through recycling and coat checks to sponsor LGBTQ+ sports—from softball to kickball. Frank could regularly be found on the softball field or at the bowling alley. This tradition continues today, with Club Café donating more than $30,000 annually to LGBTQ+ sports.
Because of Frank’s vision and steadfast leadership, Club Café remains a safe and welcoming space for all—a place to relax, enjoy good food and entertainment, and come together as a community. We continue to give back and work to make the lives of all in our community stronger and better, just as Frank envisioned.
Our community—and indeed our world—is a better place because of Frank. He was strong, determined, and courageous to the very end as he battled brain cancer. He passed away peacefully at home, with his longtime husband Joe, who took exceptional care of him. Our thoughts are with Joe, Frank’s family, and all who loved him as they navigate this profound loss.
In accordance with Frank’s wishes, a celebration of his life will be held at Club Café at a later date. Details will be shared once arrangements are finalized.”
Source post here
