Thomas J. Rinaldo

Thomas J. Rinaldo (Mazzi), 87

Rockford Thomas J. Rinaldo, 87 of Rockford died Friday, March 26, 2010 at 12:55 p.m. at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center after a sudden illness. Born September 29, 1922 to Joseph and Lillian (Parrovecchio) Rinaldo. Served in the United States Coast Guard for 4 years from Nov. 12 1942 to April 3, 1946. During WWII served on the USCG Bovy Tender Kukui as an officers cook before being honorably discharged.nbsp; Married Anna Bernadette Sciacca in S. Beloit on June 8, 1946. Member of St. Ritas Church. A S. Beloit Police Officer during the 1950s and a part time Game Warden. Retired from the Illinois Department of Transportation in 1987 after twenty plus years.

Dad loved the outdoors and his family, especially fond of his grandchildren and great- granchild, spending countless hours with them. Dad had a big heart and was always buying gifts for everyone. He had lots of friends and will be missed by us all. Dad was a great Fast Pitch Softball Player hitting many Home Runs. He was chosen for Rockford All-Star Teams and Played against the Rockford Peaches and the King and His Court at Beyer Stadium in the 1950s. Dad took very good care of our mother Ann over the past many years and we thank and love him for that. We already miss you Dad. To keep himself busy and make extra money he hauled scrap metals up to the day he departed this life. He was an extremely hard worker. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Bernard OMalley for over 30 years of care and friendship.

Survivors; Wife, Anna (Sciacca) Rinaldo; Sons, Joe (Marilyn Tamburelli) Rinaldo Sr., Dennis Rinaldo; Daughter, Connie (Duane) McAllister; Grandchildren, Joe (Lisa Reynolds) Jr., Phil, Lindsay and nbsp;Kathryn Rinaldo; nbsp;Kelly, Peter and Mandy McAllister; Great-Grandson, Gianni (G-man) Rinaldo; Brothers, Sam Rinaldo, Larry (Melba) Rinaldo, John (Beverly) Rinaldo and Jack (Pat) Rinaldo; Sister Claudia (Don) Watters. Sister-in-law Francis Rinaldo. Predeceased by his parents Joseph (Lillian Parrovecchio) Rinaldo; Brothers Frank and Benny Rinaldo.

Funeral Mass 12 p.m. Tuesday, March 30, 2010 at St. Rita Catholic Church 6254 Valley Knoll Drive with Msgr. Gerald P. Kobbeman officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Fitzgerald Funeral Home (Riverside Chapel) 3910 N. Rockton Ave.; with a Rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue from 11 until 11:45 a.m. Tuesday morning at church. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com