My father, Louis Boitano, born in Ballard, Washington, before it was incorporated into the city of Seattle. He taught me many things which I try to live by today: never judge someone about the money they make in an honest profession; be wary of flag wavers, they’ve probably never experienced a real battle; never define anyone by their religion or by the pigmentation in their skin. And, never sprinkle grated Parmigiano-Reggiano on ravioli, for it interferes with the dishes’ real flavor.

The day after his ex-wife disappeared in a kayaking accident, Mr. Frykenberg answered his door to find two grim-faced State Troopers.