Bellflower Pioneer Dies

by James Cross

Francis Joseph Ribotta, in his 50 years of service to youth, never left the classroom or the sporting field. His ministry remained focused upon the young men whom Mary Help of Christians brought to his classroom.

Fr. Frank's obedience to his superiors did take him across the globe. He studied both in America and in Italy. His scholarship matched his athletic prowess; his dedication to education helped him in his role as a guidance director and college counselor.

Fr. Frank was eulogized as a prayerful man with kindness in his heart. He was devoted to Our Lady and the praying of the rosary. His quietness, exactness, punctuality, obedience, discipline and simplicity became an example for all Salesians.

Although the majority of his Salesian life was spent at St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, Calif., Fr. Frank also served the students of Don Bosco Tech, in Rosemead, Calif. His standing presence, with arms folded and head lightly bowed, both in the classroom and along the sideline, was the hallmark of his style.

In 1940, Fr. Frank, still a brother, helped to open St. John Bosco in Bellflower. His youthful charisma was experienced by future Salesians Tom Prendiville, Roger Luna, Ralph Murphy, and Jack and Jim McLinden. Later in his career he touched the life of Nick Reina, Provincial of the San Francisco Province.

Fr. Frank remained a teacher until his retirement. In his vows he dedicated himself to the young and his ministry mirrored the motto of the school he helped to found: "To God, who gives joy to my youth."