I have known Frank for 50 years.
He was a wonderful friend to my late husband, Mike Riccardelli.
After Mike died, Frank would call to 
Chat. He had the most wonderful
Voice…. It was always strong.   I would recognize his voice anywhere. 
He called me when he was proudly 
100.
I am now writing Christmas cards 
When suddenly it occurrd to
Me  that I had not heard from
Him in some time.  
I found his obituary.
He lived life to
The fullest and with grace and kindness.
I send regrets to his family .
Patti Riccardelli

Uncle Frank you can finally be with Dad. Time to talk football 🏈. I will always remember the arm wrestling matches. Here comes the Choo Choo. ❤️ always Stephen.

Uncle Frank, You and Dad can finally see each other again. Time to talk football 🏈. I will always remember the arm wrestling matches.. Here comes the Choo Choo. ❤️ always Stephen.

Uncle Frank you were always  a cool Uncle. When I was growing up I always looked up to you !  I admired you for all that you accomplished  and the man that you were !   Now you can be with my Dad again !  I’m forever in our hearts
Sheri Papcsy

Dear Frank

I gave birth to a daughter in October and I sent you lots of pictures of her. I know how happy you were for me and my husband. I loved our video calls and I just miss talking to you. I shared some of our screenshots here, they make me smile and I hope they‘ll do the same for others who love and miss you as well. 

I talked to Kiki today and I am so glad you had her in your life. 
It was wonderful getting to know you in Bad Gastein years ago, and I am so glad we’ve stayed in contact ever since. We‘ll meet again one day, I am sure of that. Wherever you are, rest in peace. Thank you for everything. 

Much love 
Denise with Bernhard and Livia
And my parents

Grandpa was a cheerful person. He was full of inspiration, knowledge and ideas.
his sense of humor was never lacking.

he always said "kiki you have filled the gap in my life. You are my child, my granddaughter who has always been missing in my life."

He was my grandfather, mentor, professor and rock in my life.

I tried to visit at least once a year. Best for his birthday in May. The first photo shows Grandpa at his 100th birthday enjoying a special breakfast. Which was just to much 😂

His loss leaves a scar for me and many others.

Rest in peace my lovely Grandpa 
Your Granddaughter Kiki

Such a brilliant, kind and thoughtful man he was. He was a wealth of knowledge, wisdom  and sage advice. We FaceTimed daily and I always learned something new from him. I miss him so much. Uncle Frank was a professor at UNM and long after his retirement he continued to teach and help others. I loved his stories about my dad and him as young teens and how they navigated life. He was a self-made man that earned his PhD in philosophy. 
Uncle Frank’s passing has left a huge void for many.

Frank was, in essence, my Godfather. He was a longtime dear friend of my parents and agreed to be legal guardian of me and my siblings if anything should ever happen to my mother and father during our childhood. I have fond memories of his visits to our home when he would travel to maintain a connection with us children over the years and , of course, play golf with my father. Frank was equally close with my mother and often spoke of her fabulous dinners when we talked regularly these last years of Frank’s life.
I am proud of the incredible contributions Frank made in his life. He was a decorated veteran of WWII active in the campaigns to liberate Italy . He was a brilliant teacher and coach and for several decades a leading pioneer in the development of the science of Physical Therapy, sharing his expertise as a professor at University of New Mexico.
Frank sadly never had children of his own. He spoke frequently and lovingly of his mentee “adoptive granddaughter” Kiki, however.  Kiki, if you see this message, know that Frank loved you dearly and was beyond proud of you. When he told me he entered hospice care, I cried, but he assured me that he was ready to transition and said he was so grateful to have our presence and love in life.
I will miss our face-time conversations.
Rest in peace, Frank.
Much love, Maria

OBITUARY

Frank E. Papcsy

May 24, 1923 – October 17, 2023

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