Frank Rinaldi

passed away peacefully on December 19, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction, CO. He was 81 years old.

Born in Sicily, Italy, during the tumult of World War II, Frank’s life was a remarkable journey of resilience, brilliance, and dedication. Raised in a close-knit family guided by faith and love, Frank’s early years were shaped by the nurturing influence of his parents, grandparents, and his uncle, Fr. Mario Ventura. Recognized for his exceptional intelligence and photographic memory, he studied at the Christian Brothers Seminary in Santa Venerina, Sicily, and later at a technical high school in Catania, Sicily. His family emigrated to the United States in 1958, settling in New York City, where Frank continued his education with determination and excellence.

Graduating from the City College of New York in 1966 as a Civil/Structural Engineer, Frank embarked on a distinguished career with the Department of the Navy, contributing to critical infrastructure projects, including naval hospitals, airfields, bridges, and communication systems. His expertise extended to his tenure with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission and later the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, where he became a leading authority in Nuclear Engineering, structural safety, and international consultation with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency).

Frank’s professional accomplishments were complemented by his artistic and athletic talents. He excelled in soccer, played semi-professionally, wrote poetry, painted vivid landscapes and seascapes, and even designed and built custom homes as a hobby. Despite his many achievements, Frank always regarded his family and faith as his greatest joys and accomplishments.

Frank’s life was a testament to passion, creativity, and an unyielding commitment to excellence. He is survived by his loving wife, Rosemarie; two children, Frank Nicholas Rinaldi (fiancée, Joy Obedencia) and Danielle Alessandra Rinaldi Watson (Charles Watson); his sister, Grace Rinaldi Antonino (Tony Antonino), his niece Dawn Antonino Manganello, his nephew Michael Antonino, six grandchildren, Alexis, Kaia, Carter, Brodie, Ava, and Dylan.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (IHM) in Grand Junction, CO, on February 4, 2025, at 10 am, with interment to follow on the church grounds. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Frank’s name to:

St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation

2635 N 7th St.

Grand Junction, CO 81501