Jay Andrew Rintelmann

Jay A. Rintelmann, age 74, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of February 7, 2026, at his beloved lake house in Longwood, Florida, with his wife, Yonna, by his side. While his family’s hearts are broken, they are deeply grateful that his passing was gentle and that he is now at peace.

Born February 17, 1951, in Belvidere, Illinois, Jay grew up in Marengo before moving to Minnesota during high school. He later attended Arizona State University, where he briefly walked onto the baseball team and just as famously walked off shortly thereafter — a story he retold often with humor and humility.

Jay began his career in construction sales in Michigan, where he married Arlene Neil Rintelmann. They welcomed their daughter, Kristen, in 1981 and later moved to Central Florida, where their son, Peter, was born in 1984. Jay laid down lasting roots in Lake Mary, where family and community became central to his life.

In 1986, Jay helped establish Hartford South Roofing in Orlando, building it over the next 31 years into one of Central Florida’s premier commercial roofing companies. His leadership was reflected in major projects throughout the region, including Universal Studios, multiple Walt Disney World resorts, Orlando International Airport, and the Orange County Convention Center. He was known for his integrity, craftsmanship, and pride in doing things the right way.

In 2016, Jay met Yonna Jones while walking their dogs in the neighborhood. Their connection was immediate, and they married in early 2018. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, family, and deep partnership.

Known affectionately as Papa and J-Pop, Jay was generous, optimistic, and endlessly welcoming. His booming, unmistakable belly laugh was contagious, and his presence made people feel seen and at ease. He loved college football, offshore fishing, travel, classic cars, hosting Fourth of July celebrations, time in his man cave, and savoring a great Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. His familiar sayings — “SeeyouLoveyouBye,” “It’s just ok,” “Get it done,” and “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do” — will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Raised Catholic, Jay lived his faith quietly and faithfully, serving his church and remaining devoted throughout his life.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Julia Ann (Malone) Rintelmann and Richard Frederick Rintelmann, and by his first wife of 36 years, Arlene Neil Rintelmann.

He is survived by his wife, Yonna Jones Rintelmann; daughter Kristen Rintelmann; son Peter Rintelmann (wife Cristina and granddaughter Adrianna Arlene); bonus children Jonathon “Deke” Reynolds (wife Ashley) and Christopher Kelley (wife Ellisa); bonus grandchildren Payton, Adison, Kadyn, and Reagan; siblings Ann Woodbeck, Katherine “Kit” Elmer, and Thomas Rintelmann; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jay’s memory to the ALS Association in support of research so that no one else will ever have to hear the words, “You have ALS.”

And, in the way he said goodbye every time:

SeeyouLoveyouBye.