Obituary of Richard Rinella

Richard (Dick) Rinella, 77, passed away Tuesday, January 29, 2013. Dick is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Patricia (Danielak); sons David (fiancé Cindy), John and Rich (Debby) Rinella; grandchildren Dylan, Vincent and Nicholas Rinella; brother, Joe (Mary Ellen) Rinella; and was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Margaret (Szucs) Rinella; and great grandchild Carson Rinella. Dick was born February 6, 1935 in Akron and had been an Akron resident his entire life. He was a 1953 graduate and class president of the last graduating class of West High School. He was employed by Ohio Edison as a senior draftsman for over 43 years, retiring in 1994. He was an active member of St. Paul Catholic Church, where he served as Eucharistic minister, usher, Booster Club president, choir member and parish council. Dickie was passionately dedicated to his family and to the Archbishop Hoban High School community. He and his fellow executive board members were instrumental in the 1977 Save-the-School campaign. For nearly 40 years he announced Hoban basketball games, served as past Booster Club president, ran the 300-Club, and was member and past president of the Associates of St. Joseph's. Dick cherished the camaraderie of friendships made at the Knights of Columbus Council 3410. Throughout his 40 year membership he served as Grand-Knight, CLC president and board member. Dick was known for his love of sports. He coached Firestone Park baseball, served as athletic director and basketball coach at St. Paul school and was a member of the CYO athletic board for many years. He served as past president of the Summit County Touchdown Club, 7th ward precinct committee member and was a member of the Dapper Dan Club. Dick organized (and was the golden-voice for) countless reverse raffles, which raised funds to support St. Paul Church, Hoban High School, Knights of Columbus and numerous other charities. Dick has received countless honors and awards, too expensive to list here. The family is grateful to Dr. Schweikert , Dr. Cutler and assistant Joan Copeland. The family will receive friends Monday, February 4, 2013 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. at the Anthony Funeral Home Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Chapel, 1990 S. Main St. Akron where a Knights of Columbus Rosary will be recited at 7:30 P.M. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 10 A.M. at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1580 Brown St., Akron, OH 44301. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul Church or Dick Rinella Memorial fund at Archbishop Hoban High School, 1 Holy Cross Blvd, Akron, OH 44306.