CHARLES ANTHONY RINI, SR. Passed away Sunday, March 24, 2013 at the age of 74 surrounded by his loving wife and devoted children. Chuck was born on July 13, 1938 and grew up on the Westside of Cleveland near Kamm's Corners. He attended St. Patrick's Westpark and graduated from St. Edward High School in 1956. He earned his business degree from the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1960.
After college, Chuck served in the National Guard in Fort Sill, Lawton, Oklahoma and summer camps in Grayling, Michigan. He returned home to work in the family grocery business with his uncles Martin, Anthony, and Michael Rini. Rini's Brothers Supermarkets were pioneers the supermarket industry in Cleveland, becoming the first market in the area to offer self-service and refrigerated cases. In 1950s, Rini Brothers formed the Stop-n-Shop Association with other local family grocers including the Russo, Catalano, Guinta, Reider, Rego and Vaughan families. Chuck became the youngest president of the Stop-n-Shop franchise in 1975. As Rini's Stop-n-Shop grew in numbers so did his responsibilities. As President and COO, Chuck was instrumental in structuring a merger between Rini's, Rego's Supermarkets and American Seaway Foods to become Riser Foods. The company traded on the American Stock Exchange. The newly created Rini-Rego Stop-n-Shop Supermarkets (Riser Foods) was one of largest supermarket companies in Ohio. Chuck's business achievements are the induction into the Ohio Grocers Hall of Fame and Ohio Grocer of the Year. Riser Foods was sold in 1997 to Giant Eagle Supermarkets out of Pittsburgh, PA. After his retirement from the grocery business in 2003, Chuck transitioned to Rini Realty, a commercial property management company founded by his uncles in 1960.
Above all else, Chuck was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Carol Ann (nee Swanwick) and his six children Charles, Jr (Michelle), Christine Slyman (Gregory), Nicole Bebie, Theresa Simms (Lee), Thomas (Melanie), and Steven (Natalie). He was a very proud Grandfather to Patrick, Elizabeth and Marie Bebie; Lila, Ben and Luke Simms; Emily and William Slyman; Robert, Peyton, Ava and Avery Rini; Domenic Rini; and Grace and Charlie Rini. Loving son of Antionette and Domenic Bisesi (both deceased) and nephew of Grace and Martin Rini (both deceased), brother of Rita Fallert (deceased) (Ralph), and Michael Bisesi. First cousin to Karen Rego (Lucian), Chuck Rini (Martha), and Rosetta Comella (Leo, deceased). Uncle to so many.
Chuck was a devout parishioner of St. Angela Merici Parish for 40 years. He was a dedicated Board member to many Catholic organizations, including St. Ignatius High School, Magnificat High School and John Carroll University. Good and generous friend to St. Edward High School, Central Catholic High School, St. Joseph Academy, Rosemary Center, Christ Child and the Diocese of Cleveland. Additionally, Chuck served as a Board member to Fairview Hospital, the Cleveland Clinic, Northern Ohio Italian Association and most recentlywas the past President of the Community West Foundation.
Chuck was a great and endearing friend to many. He loved being on the golf course, especially the very important Thursday night league. He loved being with his friends and family. He lived life with energy, joy and commitment to his deep faith.
A Mass of the celebration of his life will be held at St. Angela Merici Church, (20970 Lorain Road in Fairview Park) at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, March 27,2013. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Friends may call at CHAMBERS FUNERAL HOME, 29150 LORAIN RD. AT STEARNS RD. NORTH OLMSTED MONDAY 6-9 PM AND TUESDAY 2-4 6-9 PM. Entombment Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Community West Foundation, 20545 Center Ridge Road, #448, Rocky River, Ohio 44116.