Frank Rinaldi

Frank Rinaldi was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Frank will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

       Frank was born in Pratica, Italy and was the son of Elio and Iride Rinaldi.

      As a young boy, Frank had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. He was a member of the Canadian Pigeon Racing Association. In his spare time he liked slot cars, carpentry and animals. However, to Frank, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

      A typical teenager, Frank had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He attended George Harvey Collegiate and enjoyed some classes more than others, having favourite subjects and teachers. His favourite subjects in high school were automotive and wood working classes. In fact, Frank achieved the top marks in Automotive Class and went on to receive honours at George Brown College for Industrial Machinist.

      On June 12, 1971 Frank exchanged wedding vows with Wendy Louise Bowden at Our Lady of Fatima of Scarborough, Ontario. Empathic and loyal, Frank was committed to making his new family happy.

      Frank worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Frank was blessed with four children, two daughters, Tammy and Lisa, and two sons, Michael and Jason. Another blessing for Frank was the gift of four grandchildren, Brenden, Chase, Connor and Victoria.

      Fortunately, Frank enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Frank worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was Journeyman/Machinist. Frank always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Frank enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favourite pursuits were drag racing, dogs, tractors and his home and property. He was content to enjoy his favourite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Frank was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. He had many dogs, Mandy, Brig, Baron, Trik, Ena, Jilly Girl and Imex. His family was rounded out by his pigeons and cats.

       Frank always found pleasure in dog training, home/property maintainance and loving his children and grandchildren. Even in retirement, which came in October 2008, Frank continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Frank was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      Frank passed away from a heart attack in his sleep, on October 22, 2011 at his home in Whitby. He is survived by his wife, Wendy, by his children Tammy, Michael, Lisa and Jason. He will also be missed by his grandchildren Brenden, Chase, Connor and Victoria. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home. Frank was laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery in Whitby, Ontario.

      Simply stated, Frank was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Frank leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Frank Rinaldo.

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RINALDI, Frank

Suddenly and peacefully at home on Saturday, October 22nd, 2011 in his 63rd year. Loving husband and best friend of Wendy for 40 years. Beloved father, life long protector and best friend of Tammy Currie (Darrell), Michael Rinaldi (Kerrie-Anne), Lisa Rinaldi, and Jason Rinaldi. Loving and affectionate Poppa of Brenden Currie, Connor and Victoria Rinaldi; Grandpa of Chase Boundy-Currie. Sadly missed brother-in-law of Henry Bowden (Kim), Ronald Bowden (Linda), and their families. Frank will be severely missed by his four legged retirement friends Trik, Jilly Girl, Imex, Halie, Hazel, Ena, Pepi, Cleo and Oreo. Predeceased by his parents Elio and Iride Rinaldi, and his mother-in-law Mary Bowden. “Frank’s Final Project in life is complete, on his own Humble terms, and is now pain free” Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King St. W., Oshawa (905-721-1234) on Tuesday, October 25th, 2011 from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Wednesday, October 26th at 1:00 p.m. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Donations made to the Durham Regional Cancer Centre would be appreciated.

“He will be always remembered and never forgotten.”