About Frankie Dean

Dean was a kind, compassionate, strong-willed, soft-spoken, generous, smart, genuine, thoughtful, and fun-loving young man. Dean maintained the calmest demeanor, even when he wasn’t actually calm – anyone who knew him can attest to this effortless “chillness.” He always gave people the benefit of the doubt, often remarking, “If you give people a chance, I think they would surprise you.” He believed in the best of people and was always there if someone was in need. He would literally give anyone the shirt off his back, never asking for or expecting anything in return. 

Dean was a student of life. He enjoyed surfing, cooking, jujitsu, ballroom dancing, gaming, yoga, and, of course, riding motorcycles. While working on his business plans, he also focused on improving himself in the ways that he felt were most rewarding. He wanted to experience every facet of life and wasn’t afraid of change.

He had lifelong friends who he loved and who loved him. He traveled all over the country with friends and family. He lived in all kinds of places and with all kinds of people. Dean lived in the moment and appreciated everyone for exactly who they were.

When we think of Dean, we remember his laugh and his signature half smiles. We remember his goofball antics, his shirtless dancing around the house, and his habit of using every reflective surface as a mirror to flex his muscles with a smirk on his face. Dean embraced silliness and he loved making people laugh. He truly embodied the philosophy of “live and let live.” For those reasons and countless more, we’ll never forget his kind, loving spirit.

Dean’s short time on this Earth will never be enough, but we know that his death will not be the end for him. His story will continue in the lives and hearts he touched, in the love we have for him and the love he had for others, and in a million and more ways yet to come. With this foundation, we will do our best to honor his memory with the daily acts of service that he loved so much.

Our Story

The FDR Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in honor of Frankie Dean Rosales.

After Frankie Dean’s passing in 2021, what began as a growing idea became a mission led by his father, Frank Rosales Sr. Creating the FDR Foundation was a natural step—both Frank Sr. and Frankie Dean believed deeply in giving back, having volunteered with and supported countless charitable organizations throughout their lives.

Frank Sr. established the Foundation to provide assistance and resources to individuals and families impacted by catastrophic motorcycle accidents—helping people navigate the aftermath of tragedy with support, guidance, and hope.

The Foundation’s name comes from Frank Dean Rosales, who was proudly named after his father. Over the years, Frank Dean went by many names—Frankie, Dean, and most famously, FDR. As he grew up, he began calling himself FDR and loved sharing the name with a U.S. President he admired: Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Frankie Dean passed away at just 25 years old in a motorcycle accident. His loss left a deep and lasting hole in the hearts of his family, friends, and the community that loved him. In the grief of losing his son, Frank Sr. made a commitment: to keep Frankie’s memory alive—not only through remembrance, but through action.

With the support of close friends and family, that commitment became something lasting. The FDR Foundation was created to carry forward Frankie’s spirit, generosity, and love for the motorcycle community—by showing up for others when they need it most.

As Frankie always said:

“If anything ever happens to me, always remember that I died doing what I love.”