Wake Forest man devastated after losing wedding ring in 55th year of marriage

RALEIGH, N.C. — Frank Handibode looks through his wedding album at pictures of the woman he married 55 years ago.

In that time, he has never gone without his wedding ring.

Until now.

Just days before Christmas, Frank and his wife were at Capital Grille in North Hills when he lost his wedding ring and later reached out to WRAL for help.

On Thursday night, Frank was in tears.

Frank said the ring isn’t worth much, but it’s a symbol of the love he and his wife share.

He says he lost it yesterday between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. He’s been retracing his steps all day.

Handibode was 25 and Marianne was 19 when they married in New York. They now live in Wake Forest.

“She’s a special lady,” Handibode said. “As far as I’m concerned, she was always a godsend in my life.”

For 55 years, they’ve worn their wedding rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

After dinner on Wednesday and as he was walking to their car, Frank lost his ring. He said been up most of the night praying for it.

“Dear Saint Anthony, dear Saint Anthony, please come around,” said Frank. “Something is lost and has to be found.“

Frank said he didn’t notice the ring was missing until he got home later that night. The first thing the couple did this morning was retrace their steps.

“From the grille to where the car was,” Frank said. “Looking on the ground. Nothing was found.”

The ring is Sterling Silver with no diamonds or jewels. Frank said he recently lost weight and believes the ring slipped right out.

He’s hoping someone has it and will return it.

“It is very special, very very special. It would be such a blessing. I’ve said in my prayers of us got to help me find it and I have to say a prayer of acceptance if I don’t but it’s gonna hurt.”