William F. Rinas

OBITUARY: William F. Rinas, 79, of New Britain, died Thursday, January 17, 2002 at New Britain General Hospital. He was the beloved husband of AdeleHaman Rinas. Born in New Britain, he was the son of the late Gustav and Justine Schwanke Rinas. He was a life long New Britain resident and was formerly a co-owner of Rinas Oil Service. He was a devoted member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he had served as a Sunday School Teacher, and as Sunday School Superintendent for 24 years. Most recently, he had served as a lay visitor for St. John's Lutheran, First Lutheran Church, and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Kensington. Bill was also a longtime member of Gideons International. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, and basketball, and had served as a coach for the Church League basketball team at St. John's, winning the league championship one year. In addition to his wife Adele, he is survived by three sons, Rev. David W. Rinas and his wife Doreen of Manchester, ME; Mark G. Rinas of Windsor; James P. Rinas of New Britain; a brother Gustav Rinas and his wife Edna of New Britain; a sister-in-law Eleanor Rinas of New Britain; three grandchildren, Joshua, Kendra, and Rebecca Rinas; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Alfred Rinas. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10:00 am at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Faiview Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 pm at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 So. Main St. New Britain. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 295 Arch St. New Britain or to Gideon International, 2900 Lebanon Rd., PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.