Many in the performance boat community were saddened when they heard the news that fellow poker run enthusiast Francesco Barbarino died this week. Here's what a few of Frank's friends had to say about him.

http://speedonthewater.com/in-the-ne...ino-remembered

This is such horrible news! My deepest condolences. Anyone know what happened?

He was a great guy. He liked everybody. Sad. RIP frank

Holy crap! I did not know this. Heard his health hadn't been great in the last few years. Frank was a great guy. One of the originals to bring a big ol outerlimts to the west coast. Frank wasn't just an enthusiast of powerboats but he loved him some super cars too. I always crack up (smiling right now actually) when I think of the story of him and a certain twin turbo'd lambo. The area frank lived in was very exclusive and in the rolling hills just above L.A. The houses are in the 25k and up square foot range and are set above each other to accommodate the hillsides. Frank takes off from his driveway one day, loops the lambo and goes down the hillside right into the back yard of a neighbor! I'm sure it wasn't funny then but it's one of those things you look back on and laugh about. He was in another very bad collision in another lambo that he was nearly killed in. Frank lived life to the fullest from what I could tell and enjoyed every minute.

Very sorry to hear he's gone. I was looking forward to seeing him again.

According to several sources, Mr. Barbarino had been dealing with unspecified health issues for several years. As for a specific cause of death, we were unable to find any solid information.

Heartfelt to condolences to all family and friends.

I remember like it was yesterday when 9/11 happend as I'm sure everyone does. I was at the OL factory and frank was in town checking out his build at the time. He got stuck in RI for a few days and I got to enjoy a dinner with him and mike. Despite his lavish lifestyle I always admired how down to earth he was and had a great sense of humor. I also will never forget some of the most interesting characters I've Ever met in my life through frank. He had great stories. Can't say it enough. Great guy