Obituary of John Henry Rinaldi

RINALDI, LTC. John H. – USAR (Ret.) "An Officer and Truly a Gentleman." At 2:30 am on the 25th of January, 2016, after a long battle with cancer, John Rinaldi passed away peacefully with his family at his side. John was a man of honor who lived his life with a devotion to duty. He was a career army officer, and had a second career as a teacher. He was a good father, grandfather, husband, friend and was a lifelong good brother. John was born on his mother's 31st birthday on the 24th of August, 1943 in Hoboken, NJ. His parents were Anthony J. and Laura G. (nee Scioli) He had a sister, Rita C. and brother, Tony and lived in Cliffside Park and Hoboken. He graduated from Xavier High School in New York City in 1961 and St. Peter's College in Jersey City in 1965, where he participated in the Army ROTC program. He earned an MBA from The University of Utah. John was always proud of his Army career that started in 1965 until his retirement in 1987. He served two different tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Legion of Merit, a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He served in many different locations in the United States including Hawaii as well as in Germany, Panama and South America. One emblematic moment shared with his brother was a visit to the newly dedicated Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C., John, in a solemn manner and with a sense of devotion, touched the name of fallen Comrade, stood back and saluted, causing his brother to fully understand and appreciate John's sense of duty and honor. After his service in the Army, John moved back to New Jersey where he became very active in Saint John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Bergenfield. He worked a short period in business with his brother, but then pursed a second career as a teacher and taught at St. John the Evangelist School for 15 years. He was a popular teacher and instilled a sense of purpose and discipline to his students. During this time period, John was the President of the Parish Council and formed a tennis club for the students. He retired from teaching when he contracted cancer and could no longer work. During his final years he heroically battled cancer with two surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy, always with dignity up until the moment of his passing. John is survived by his son, John H. (J.R.) his daughter, Portia B., his granddaughter Lily, his wife Ruth. His sister, Rita and (Buddy Luciani), his brother Tony (and Olga), his niece, Amy Arce, nephews, Tony, Jr. (TJ), Matt, Andy Luciani as well as many friends who have commented "A Good Man," "A Rare Gentleman," "A Stand-Up Guy," "A Good Friend" and one quote in particular – "I cannot imagine a world without John." To anyone who was part of John's world, their world is truly diminished now. Memorial Mass to be celebrated at St. John The Evangelist Church, 29 North Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ, on Saturday, January 30, 2016, at 9:30 AM. Family and friends will gather at Church. Inurnment to follow at Holy Name Cemetery, Jersey City, NJ. Memorial Visitation on Friday, from 2-4 &7-9 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in John's Memory to St. John The Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, 29 N. Washington Avenue, Bergenfield, NJ 07621 or the Army Emergency Relief, www.aerhq.org For information and directions, please visit www.mccorrybrothers.com.