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Obituary of Eleanor M. Rinas
Mrs. Eleanor M. Rinas, age 86, currently of Largo, passed away at her winter home on February 19th, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Bergen, New York, to Clarence and Irene (Whitaker) Fitzsimmons. She graduated from high school in Holley, NY. Eleanor met her life partner, Rudi Rinas, on a blind date in high school and never left his side. Eleanor and Rudi married November 17th, 1956, before moving to Fort Knox, KY, where Rudi was stationed in the Army. They started their family in Fort Knox with the birth of their daughter, Linda. Son Gene was born in Rochester, NY, and the family still lives in their original home. Rudi primarily worked while Eleanor stayed home and raised the children. The children enjoyed visiting their grandparents every Sunday, and the family enjoyed scenic drives out to the country. The family traveled to Germany, Rudi’s country of birth, and Florida for sunny visits to the beach.
After Rudi retired from General Motors, he and Eleanor went on cruises to Alaska, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, and the eastern and western area of the Caribbean, along with other destinations. In 1998, the couple purchased their winter “snow bird” home in Lake Seminole Resort, Florida. They were very active in the community. They square danced, played shuffleboard, swam, and hosted events in their community.
Eleanor’s love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was endless and everlasting. A great-granddaughter was given the name Ellie in honor of Eleanor. The kids loved eating the food she cooked, in particular her German pancakes. She would take the children on long walks in the park and loved to take the kids off of their parent’s hands for a bit. Word search puzzles and knitting were a relaxing activity for her. Rudi and Eleanor loved playing cards and her favorite game was Bid Euchre. They belonged to the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Largo.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Richard and Donald, and her sister Norma. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Rudi G. Rinas of Rochester, NY; son Eugene (Ginger) Rinas of Rochester, daughter Linda (Melody Reynolds) Rinas of Rochester, NY; grandsons Tyler (Erin) Rinas of Rochester, NY and Steven (Shayna) Rinas of Rochester, NY; and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Her best friend Gail Reusch was an important person in her life for many, many years. Eleanor will be missed by her family and friends, as she touched many lives.
The family will hold a Celebration of Life for Eleanor at a later date in Rochester, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Eleanor’s name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.
