Mr. Anthony Guy "Tony" Rinaldi

UTICA – Mr. Anthony Guy “Tony” Rinaldi, age 73, peacefully transitioned into eternity free of pain surrounded by his family on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 3:16 p.m., beautifully coinciding with his favorite Bible verse, John 3:16. Born in Utica on June 17, 1952, Anthony was the son of the late Guy J. and Vita (Dacquino) Rinaldi. He was a proud graduate of T. R. Proctor High School, Class of 1971. Tony dedicated many years to masonry work for the City of Utica Department of Public Works (DPW). He later found a passion for working with children as a teacher’s assistant with Upstate Cerebral Palsy and Onieda-Herkimer-Madison BOCES. He formed close bonds with the children he encountered there and was especially talented at helping children having the most difficulties, often working as a one to one aide with such children. Anthony often included the children in his own family adventures, creating meaningful memories and experiences they would always treasure. He genuinely loved his work and the relationships he built through it. For 36 years, Anthony shared a loving relationship with the former Debra Jackson, and together they were blessed with four daughters. Tony was truly one of a kind, known for his colorful vocabulary and unforgettable “Tonyisms,” often passionately delivered while talking with his hands. He was unapologetically honest and never afraid to tell it like it was, yet beneath his tough exterior was a man with an enormous heart. Tony felt everything deeply, loved hard, and had a special soft spot for those who were struggling, as well as for animals and nature. He was overly generous, always willing to help others, and had a wonderful sense of humor, even if his family lovingly joked that he was not quite as funny as he thought he was. He maintained a wide circle of cherished friends from all walks of life. Tony found his greatest peace outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, a skilled hunter, and enjoyed creating his own inventions related to these treasured pastimes. He also had a talent for taxidermy and woodworking, always keeping his hands and mind busy. One of his favorite places to be and daily hang out was at his nephew Steve’s shop where he would chat with the guys, help out, and mow the grass.Whether picking flowers and mushrooms, spending time at the family camp and beach at White Lake, cooking for family, friends, and members of his church, or feeling the freedom of the open road on his motorcycle, Tony embraced life’s simple pleasures and the people he loved most. A man of deep faith, Tony was a devoted member of Three Steeples United Parish in Sauquoit, where he was always willing to lend a helping hand. He took great pride in cooking for the church’s pancake breakfasts and Thursday hot dog meals, and lovingly picked flowers to decorate the church facilities for these events. One of Tony’s favorite phrases was, “Are you listening?” which was usually followed by, “Watch this,” and then showed the person how to do something without needing to use words at all. Anthony is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Kristen Matthews, Lisa and Mark Smithling, Tammy and Chad DelMedico, and Michele and Larry Snow; grandchildren, Veronica Matthews, Elijah and Arianna Matthews, Nathaniel Matthews, Miranda and Chad Calhoun, Jacob Smithling, Stephanie Smithling, Anthony DelMedico, Jonathan DelMedico, Kaylee DelMedico, Isaiah Snow, Lydia Snow, and Adriana Snow; and great-grandchildren, Jin, and Ari Calhoun. His loss is also felt by his sisters and brother-in-law, Antoinette and Mark Seeberg, Vita Hale, and Rose Jackson; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; cousins, with a special relationship with nephews John Dreimiller and Stephen Hale; and a multitude of special friends, especially Rob Comenale, Kristen Carpenter, and the entire Coffin family. The family would like to recognize the ICU Third Floor West nursing staff at Wynn Hospital, who took loving care of Tony as if he was their own family member. Special thanks to Stephanie Mathais, who stayed by the family’s side through his hospital stay and passing, ensuring that Tony was comfortable and cared for. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., Utica, corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions in Anthony’s honor may be made to Rover’s Do Over rescue at www.roversdoover.com/donate; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Anthony’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Three Steeples United Parish, 2817 Old State Route 12, Paris, NY. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

Mr. Anthony Guy "Tony" Rinaldi

June 17, 1952 - May 24, 2026