Joseph J. Rini

JOSEPH J. RINI age 78, beloved husband of Nicoletta “Nikki” (Neff) (nee Cortese); loving father of Lora Michelli (husband Michael), Maria Schupp (husband Matt), Joseph N. (wife Emily), Paul (wife Nicole) and step father of Jack Neff (wife Beth, deceased) and David Neff (ex-wife Sandy); devoted grandfather of Michael, Kyle, Gianna, J.R., Joey, Millie, Mikey, Alyssa, Samantha, Lea, John, Monica and the late Tiffany and great-grandfather of Carter, Lyla and Jaxon; cherished son of the late Nicholas and Jeanette (nee Ambrose); dearest brother of Gloria Janusko and the late Nicholas (wife Barbara); dear brother-in-law of Cathleen & Dick Schuster, and Sam and Sheila Cortese; former husband of Mary Lee Rini; treasured uncle of many. Preceded in death by his granddog Clea. U.S. Army Veteran. 

Joe was born on July 5, 1945 in Cleveland and grew up in the Woodland area.  He was a 1963 graduate of Cathedral Latin High School and continued on to earn his business degree in 1967 from Cleveland State University.  He pursued and excelled at employment with Euclid, Inc and as the Warehouse Manager for East Ohio Gas Company.  In his retirement, he lent a hand to his sons prepping food at Arrabiata’s Italian Restaurant.  Family was very important to “Papa Joe” and he made it a priority to attend his grandchildren’s sports and activities regularly.  He also delighted in serving up “Papa Joe’s Famous Chicken” at family gatherings.  His traditional breakfasts he and Nikki made together at Christmas and vacations were one of a kind.  One of Joe’s favorite pastimes was seeing his family gather, especially for Independence Day at the pool and Rini reunions at the beach.  He was friendly, talkative and social, running into a friend everywhere he went.  Joe will be remembered as a fun and loving man who freely offered his advice and opinions.  He adored his friends at Arrabiata’s, eating out and vacationing with his dinner group, golfing with his buddies, fishing with his sons, hiking with Nikki in the Metroparks, exercising at the YMCA, and working on various carpentry projects.  Although not able to hear every play call, he would turn up the volume on the tv and cheer for the Browns and Indians if he had down time, which was rare.  Joe was dedicated to his wife of 23 years and the way he cared for her best summarized how much of a role model he was. On the morning of March 27, 2024, Joe quickly and peacefully passed away at home.  His presence and affections will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Joe to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516  https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/  

Cremation by DeJohn Crematory.  Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Joe at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024 FROM 4-8 PM. Relatives and friends are requested to meet for Mass of Christian Burial Friday, April 5 at St. Noel Catholic Church, 35200 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills, Ohio at 11 AM. Burial following with Military Honors at Knollwood Cemetery.