Frank Henry Ribeiro

Frank Ribeiro, a loving husband, devoted brother and uncle, loyal friend, enthusiastic dance partner, and passionate dog lover, passed away unexpectedly on August 8, 2024, at the age of 75. His warm heart, infectious smile, and boundless energy will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the countless people (and dogs) whose lives he touched.

Born in 1949 in Kowloon, Hong Kong, Frank was a “surprise baby” to his 40-year-old Macanese parents Agatha Maria de Lourdes de Senna Rodrigues (Aggie) and Henrique Agusto Vieira Ribeiro (Henry). In 1957, at age 8, he traveled with his family aboard a cargo ship, following his older half-sister, Sheila Ebaugh, who had emigrated to California a year earlier. He was the only child on the three-week voyage, dreaming about his new life in America while braving the cold journey. Seeing the lights of San Francisco and the Bay Bridge made a lasting impression on Frank, stimulating his lifelong love of travel and discovery. He always cherished the song “Wayward Wind” by Gogi Grant, which played on the ship’s radio as they approached the U.S. shore.

Over the next 16 years, Frank embraced an active West Coast lifestyle—from skiing in the mountains to surfing the waves of Southern California. By the time he turned 24, Frank had completed high school, worked his way through college at Cal State Northridge, and served four years in the Army National Guard.

In 1976, the wind blew Frank to the East Coast, where he earned his Master’s in Public Administration from Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. He then began his career in the energy sector, first as an Economist with the Federal Power Commission, working at the Exxon Corporation and then Bank of America, managing their New York derivatives unit, before joining ABN-AMRO Bank as the Manager of their Derivatives Origination Group.

Frank was widely recognized for his intellect and innovative thinking in finance and energy futures. He ultimately founded his own company, Paradigm Strategy Group, where he could provide numerous clients with expert guidance in risk management practices for the energy sector, always with integrity and dedication—once again taking him to new U.S. destinations and abroad.

Frank’s career path exposed him to a world of arts and culture, fostering his passion for cooking, wine, photography, and music, which brought immense joy to his life. He took great pleasure in sharing his knowledge and experience with family and friends. This included creating culinary masterpieces, always with Peggy as sous chef by his side. His extensive wine collection, curated over the years, was legendary among those who knew him. And he frequently shared his unique and treasured vintages, knowing the true pleasure of savoring a fine bottle with loved ones.

While traveling for business, Frank’s “wayward” spirit always found time for side trips to new and exotic places like Tahiti, Bali, or Lake Como. When in Italy, he always left ample time to visit his favorite Roman trattorias. Frank also loved discovering new, trendy, or far-off eateries, later posting detailed online reviews of the food and wine.

Frank appreciated all types of music. Opera was his special love, and he was a loyal patron of the Metropolitan Opera and the New York City Opera. When travel schedules permitted, Frank would attend performances in London, Prague, and other cities.

Another of Frank’s greatest passions was dance. He idolized Fred Astaire and embraced several forms of dance throughout his life. As a long-time member of the George Tomov Yugoslav Dance Troupe in New York City, he delighted in the rich rhythms and cultural heritage of Eastern European dances. He was also an avid disco, swing, and Scandinavian folk dancing fan, having taught the latter for many years. Whether it was a slow waltz or a lively salsa, Frank was always ready to dance, finding joy in movement and music.

Perhaps most profoundly, Frank’s life was defined by his love for dogs. Dogs were not just pets to Frank—they were family, and he had a special bond with them. He became a fierce advocate for rescue dogs, volunteering time and resources to find these animals the loving homes they deserved. He also had a keen interest in finding mobility solutions for disabled rescues, ensuring that they, too, could look forward to loving homes.

In his later years, Frank found peace in the slower pace of life in Tucson. He enjoyed long walks with his dogs, tennis, and capturing the beauty of the desert sunsets through his photography. His home—reflecting his warm, welcoming nature—was filled with laughter, love, and the company of friends and dogs.

Most importantly, Frank shared nearly four decades of life with his beloved wife, Peggy Mitchell. Their love story began in New York City at Augie’s music club, where Frank spotted Peggy and was instantly smitten. Their relationship blossomed into a deep partnership marked by affection, mutual respect, and countless shared adventures.

Whether traveling the world or enjoying quiet evenings on their patio in Tucson with their beloved dogs, Frank and Peggy’s bond endured with love and devotion.

A man of great intellect, generosity, and kindness, Frank will continue to be celebrated by his friends, his loving wife, Margaret “Peggy” Mitchell; niece Collette Rosselet, her partner Jef, and her son Richard “Ricky” Allen Jones; nephew Cynthio “Cy” Rosselet, his wife Karen, and their three children Kris, Alex and Logan; father-in-law, Earl Mitchell; sister-in-law Holly Brindley; niece Maggie Brindley, her husband Nick, and their children Lilith, Rosalee, and Kellen.

How can you honor Frank’s life in a more lasting way? He would want you to be kind to dogs, maybe adopt a dog, smile at a dog, or if so inclined, donate to his favorite canine charities:

A Loyal Companion Foundation, 4758 E. Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712 www.aloyalcompanion.org/

Friends of Pima Animal Care Center, P.O. Box 85370, Tucson, AZ 85754-5370, https://www.friendsofpacc.org/support-pacc-pets

Rest in peace, dear Frank. You will be deeply missed.