James Peter Rinas

James Peter Rinas, of 20 Surrey Drive, Newington, died unexpectedly at home on June 25, 2024.  His absence from a church council meeting at First Lutheran Church in New Britain prompted members there to try to call him, and finally to call the Newington police, who found that he had died in his apartment.  He had told a friend the day before that he did not feel well enough to attend a birthday lunch.  He died of complications with his heart.  He was 67 years old.

Born in September of 1956, Jim was the third son of William and Adele (Haman) Rinas of New Britain, Connecticut.  From Kindergarten to 8th grade he attended St. Matthew Lutheran School in New Britain, and with his family was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, also in New Britain.  He graduated from E.C. Goodwin Tech in 1974 with a specialty in plumbing.  He Graduated with honors from Tunxis Community College with an associate degree in Human Services so he could help people.

He began abusing alcohol early in life and was addicted by the time he attended high school.  He enjoyed the alcohol so much that it became the center of his life and he kept himself from positive activities and missed out on much of life. The alcohol nearly killed him at least twice, once in a car accident that destroyed his prized Camero.  He failed detox programs more often than he could remember, by his own admission, and he lost several jobs.

When he started to become sober he dedicated his life to helping other people in similar circumstances as his.  He was rehired by Arburg Industries and became a valued expert in shipping packages from the warehouse.  He was a leader in AA and led detox programs as a volunteer at New Britain General Hospital.  He joined First Lutheran Church in New Britain and served on the church council, in the choir, and as treasurer.  He grew in his faith in Jesus Christ by actually doing what Jesus called his disciples to do, especially in feeding the hungry around the neighborhood of First Lutheran.  His selfless service and giving was so great that even his family was not aware of all his gracious activities until he died and his family heard countless stories from the people whose lives he had blessed.  In his will, he left almost all of his resources to charities that he supported, and especially to his church.

He is survived by brothers Mark Rinas of Windsor, David and sister-in-law, Doreen, of Pepperell MA, nephew Joshua and his children Caleb and Lyanna of Brownstown MI, niece Kendra of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and niece Rebecca of Windsor Locks.  A memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church, 77 Franklin Square, New Britain, at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, July 31.  The reception after the service will coincide with the community supper where he loved to serve.