Joseph Anthony Rinaldi

Buxton, ME- Joseph (Joe) Anthony Rinaldi, 97, of Buxton, ME, was born on September 2, 1929, and was reunited with the love of his life, Marjorie Gallagher, on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Joe passed away at his home surrounded by his dedicated and loving family. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, Papa, Grampy, veteran and friend whose love, loyalty and commitment for his family defined his life.

Joe was a Corporal in the United States Army and served his country during the Korean War. He worked at Coca-Cola for 40 years before retiring in 1991. He was also a volunteer fire fighter for over 30 years and served as the Assistant Fire Chief for 10 years at the (Groveville) Buxton Fire Department.

Joe was not all work, no play! He enjoyed roller skating and candlepin bowling with his

wife and was even part of a dance roller skating group. He loved to camp and was lovingly referred to as ‘Island Joe’ by his camping family. His grandson, Steven, was his sidekick at camp and loved his Papa’s famous chicken fish.

In 1951 he met his future wife, Marjorie Gallagher and the two eloped on Christmas Eve in Virginia. They went on to create a large Catholic family with six children. Above all, Joe was a proud and loving father to his children Alphonso (Yvonne), Bridget Nguyen, Anthony (Christine), Joseph, Nancy (Steve) Talbot, and Paulette Rinaldi. He loved his many grandchildren Marguerite, Joey, Jessica, Mikey, Nick, Angie, Maria, MarkVo, Steven, Tasha, Cathy and CJ. He also had many great-grandchildren Keegan, AnthonyN., AnthonyR., Aiden, Oscar, Anna, Grace, Chloe, Charlotte, Katherine, Francis, Lewis, Liz, Josephine, Stanley, Lucille, Parker, Allie, Isabelle, Zayda, Xen, Viela, Tia, Desiree and Kiersten. Joe also leaves behind his younger brother Sammy Rinaldi, many cousins, neighbors, and friends, as well as his best friend JoJo Kitty.

Joe saw the world change in so many ways. Raised in Portland, ME as a first generation American-Italian by his parents Bridget Maronne and Alfonso Rinaldi of Sicily. He and his seven siblings created the lives their parents hoped they would. As a young man, Joe picked potatoes up North in a suit! To the most recent years when he would take selfies and facetime with his family.

Joe’s family was his foundation and he created many treasured memories with them. He was predeceased by his loving wife Marjorie and their son Joseph Rinaldi. May his reunion with them and all his other loved ones who have predeceased him be joyous.

He will be forever deeply missed by many.

Visiting hours will be held from 1-4 pm on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am on Monday, November 9, 2026, at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 72 Federal St., Portland. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to sign Joseph’s online guest book.