Message from Alex Ribadeneira 5/26/23:

Dear All,

I would like to express my heartfelt, sincere gratitude for your generous contribution to my brother's funeral.

Thank you for your generosity and support during this time of sorrow.

Our family appreciates your thoughtful donation. I assure that every penny will be utilized wisely, honoring my brother's memory in a meaningful way.

I will always be grateful for your help and kindness.

Thank you for your Prayers.

Alex

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Memorial Services in Honor of Wolfio Ribadeneira:

Saturday, 5/20/23 at Saint Andrew Kim Catholic Church

10:30am Yeondo Prayer Service

2249 Duluth Hwy, Duluth 30097

Sunday, 5/21/23 at Korean Martyrs Catholic Church

12:15pm Mass dedicated to Wolfio, followed by Yeondo Prayer Service

6003 Buford Hwy NE, Doraville 30340.

Dear friends and family of Alex Ribadeneira.

On the evening of Monday, May 15th, 2023, Alex's older brother, Wolfio Ribadeneira, was killed in Ecuador. Wolfio had driven to his mother-in-law's house for a family gathering. After parking nearby, he was approached by men who demanded his wallet and cellphone. The situation escalated quickly, and the men suddenly shot Wolfio two times before fleeing. One of the bullets was found to have pierced his heart.

Wolfio's sons, having heard the gunshots, stepped outside and found their father. They called an ambulance, but Wolfio was not able to stay alive until its arrival.

Wolfio is survived by his wife, Rosita, and his three sons, Nicolas, Rafael, and Gabriel. The three sons are all either currently attending or preparing to attend college. Rosita and Wolfio were happily married for more than 20 years until his passing. He and Rosita were parishioners of Our Lady of Czestochowa Catholic Church, and for many years, they led a ministry dedicated to marriages in crisis. Together, they mentored and counseled many married couples within their communities.

He was a respected professor of physics and chemistry at the Agricultural University of Ecuador. He enjoyed teaching students and was passionate about his scientific research.

His wake and funeral were attended by all of his university colleagues, as well as many families that had been touched by his service via Our Lady of Czestochowa.

The Ribadeneira family estimates that the funeral proceedings and related needs will cost the equivalent of several thousand U.S. dollars. The family is concerned about Rosita's financial needs, and of course, the needs and education of her three sons. Wolfio was the primary financial provider for his family.

It is under these circumstances that Alex has asked if it would be possible for his family to receive financial aid.

For those of us in the Korean Martyrs Catholic Church and Saint Andrew Kim Catholic Church communities, Alex first visited KMCC in 2012. While searching for a home church, he was driving along Buford Highway and saw the statue of Mary in the outdoor garden. He decided to stop his car and take some pictures with his phone.

For the next two months, on Sunday mornings, he would look at the pictures he had taken of this random Korean church. After some deliberation, he decided to attend a Mass.

What a tremendous gift our communities received on that day. Since 2012, Alex has served thousands and thousands of hours with his music and humble heart of service. He has played guitar for Mass nearly every Sunday since that time. He has been a critical part of camps, retreats, conferences, and other gatherings, not only for our youth, but also for our young adults and our elders. In addition to his musical playing, Alex has regularly donated the use of his personal, professional-grade musical equipment, and has also provided so many skilled services like equipment set-up, recording, and mixing, free of charge.

Alex has facilitated the creation of so many special moments and lifelong memories for our community. What would camps, weddings, and concerts be without the thoughtful preparation of music? Yet, amidst all these contributions, Alex has never once asked for compensation or recognition.

Alex has given so much so freely to us, and for once, he has expressed a need for help. If possible, please consider giving to the Ribadeneira family. Their priority is to meet the funeral costs, and to the extent possible, have the remaining funds aid in the sons' college educations. All net proceeds will be directed to Alex for the family's use.

Please also keep Wolfio and the Ribadeneira family in your hearts during this time.