Frank Alfred Ribaudo, died Tuesday night after fighting glioblastoma for two and a half years. He was 81.
One of the founders of Boston’s Metropolitan Health Club in the early eighties, Ribaudo went on to open Club Café in the space right upon the Columbus Avenue gym in 1983. He was a tireless community leader and board member and Founder’s Award recipient of Community Research Initiative, the cutting-edge treatment, advocacy and research nonprofit taking on HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and other infectious diseases since 1989.
Writes his husband Joe Posa and his sister Grace:
Born on December 30, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York, Frank was the son of Caroline and Frank Ribaudo. From an early age, he possessed a spirit of adventure, determination, and generosity that would define his life.
After studying Hospitality Management at New York City Community College, Frank answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. During his eight years of service, he volunteered for two tours in Vietnam, demonstrating extraordinary courage and dedication.
Following his military service, Frank worked in information technology while living in Southern California and later Chelmsford, Massachusetts. It was during this time that he discovered his love for Boston. Combining his entrepreneurial vision with his passion for hospitality, he purchased and restored brownstones in Boston’s Back Bay and, in 1983, opened Club Café. As one of the first upscale restaurant and bar establishments of its kind, Club Café welcomed both the LGBTQ+ community and the broader community with warmth, elegance, and inclusivity. Frank’s vision helped create a gathering place that became an important part of Boston’s social fabric.
Later in life, Frank developed a deep affection for South Florida. After spending time in Fort Lauderdale, he eventually settled in Wilton Manors, where he shared a beautiful home and a wonderful life with his loving husband, Joe Posa.
Frank is survived by his devoted husband, Joe Posa; his siblings, Angela Genduso, Luddy Ribaudo and his wife, Peach, and Grace Ribaudo; his cherished aunt, Stella Thorsen; and his many beloved nieces and nephews: Rosemarie, Carolynn, Toni, Donna, Dawn, Darlene, Douglas, William, and Alex, along with their spouses. He also leaves behind many great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom brought him immense joy.
Frank was a man of vision, courage, and kindness. He treasured his family, valued his friendships, and left a lasting impact on the communities he called home in both Boston and Florida. His warmth, generosity, and pioneering spirit will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
He was truly one of a kind and will never be forgotten.
A memorial service celebrating Frank’s life will be held at a later date at Club Café, 209 Columbus Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, a place that reflected his vision of hospitality, inclusivity, and community. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor his memory and the lasting impact he had on so many lives.