Anthony J. Rini

Anthony J. "Tony" Rini passed away Friday, May 25, 2012.
Always ready to brighten someone's day with a friendly smile, a warm greeting, a funny story, or a helping hand, Tony was well known and much-loved by generations of community members and a large extended family.

Born in Dover, Ohio on March 3, 1926, he was the son of the late I. Fred Rini and Mamie Gaglione Rini. Tony was preceded in death by his son, William M. Rini in 1998.

A 1944 graduate of Dover High School, Tony served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was a popular mail carrier in Dover for 25 years, a successful realtor with Pissocra Realty for 12 years, and an entertaining tour guide at Warther's Museum for 12 years.

Tony was a member of the former Dover Elks, the Dover American Legion and the Tuscarawas County Forty and Eight service clubs, the Wilderness Center, and the Dover Historical Society. He also served as a trustee of the Dover Public Library for 27 years.

Tony cherished the memory of the day that the mail carrier met the Speech and drama teacher backstage at Dover High School. It was a "chance encounter" that had actually been set up by some of her students. That introduction turned into 51 years of a faithful, loving marriage. Tony and Alice worked hard while raising their family and then enjoyed each other's company for many happy years, traveling, volunteering, and taking in the sunsets over Duck Lake in Michigan.

A devoted and loving husband and father, Tony will be sadly missed but joyfully remembered by his wife, Alice A. Rini, daughters Linda (Jeff) Weber, Beth (Francisco Sanchez) Rini, Susan Smith and daughter in law Janette Rini.

Grandpa Tony enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors, especially swimming and fishing, telling bad jokes, singing silly songs, sneaking Grandma's cookies, and delighting in the antics and achievements of his beloved grandchildren: Ricky and Alissa Perk; Andres, Marcos, Gabriel, Lucie and Joey Sanchez; Guy, Gia and Alexia Smith; Matteo and Elena Rini, step grandchildren; Stephanie and Alex Weber, and great grandchildren; Isaac Graulich and Avalei Silva.

Also by his sister Lena Eaton of Milwaukee, WI, brother Marion Rini and cousin Katherine Gopp both of Dover.

Tony was preceded in death by brothers, Fred, Martin J., and Frank Rini, sisters Laura Dattilo and Mary Strazisar, and close cousin, Nick Rini. He was a "favorite" uncle and cousin to dozens of family members.

Tony had a zest for life that was apparent to all who knew him. Outgoing and friendly, he never met a stranger. He was, by many accounts, the definition of "ornery." He quietly gave of himself and knew that the simplest of acts of kindness could make all the difference in a person's day. We can honor his memory best by attempting to do the same.

Visitation at Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover will be Wednesday, May 30 from 4:00-8:00 p.m., with Christian Wake services officiated by Fr. Matt Hoover starting at 8:00p.m. Additional visitation will begin at 10:00a.m. on Thursday, May 31 and a Celebration of Life service will be held at the funeral home at 11:00a.m. co-officiated by Rev. Rob Shores and Deacon Ron Fondriest. Interment with military honors will be held at the Dover Burial Park following the service. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Tony may sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wilderness Center, 9877 Alabama Ave., S.W., Wilmot, Ohio 44689 or to the Dover Public Library, 525 N. Walnut St., Dover, Ohio 44622