Rudolph Thomas "Tom" Rinke Obituary (1936 - 2018)

Rudolph Thomas "Tom" Rinke, age 82, passed away in the early morning of Monday, December 3, 2018. He was born, in Erie on June 18, 1936, son of Rudolph and Florence Roach Rinke. Tom graduated from McDowell in 1954. He worked at General Telephone Company for many years before his retirement. An avid reader, Tom also enjoyed golfing, bowling, card games (especially Bridge), playing his odds at the casino, Sunday lunches after church with his kids and their families, and cheering on his grandkids at their various activities and endeavors. He was thoughtful, listened to people when they spoke, quick to laugh (sometimes until he cried), and always carried a handkerchief, which he was happy to offer to help dry tears. He was a gentle soul. Tom loved a good practical joke and had a wonderful sense of humor. His most infamous included gluing coins on the steps of the family home on Zimmerman Road for guests to vainly try to pick up, offering folks a drink out of the "dribble glass", and short-sheeting the bed when his family would visit from Michigan. Tom was a steadfast supporter of his loved ones and put family first. He was a caretaker for his late wife, Sue, during her extended illness, throughout which he showed unconditional patience, love, and kindness. When he met Mary, he got a new lease on life and love, and a new card partner to boot. Although their time together was too short, they shared many smitten kitten smiles, laughs, and travel adventures. Tom left those he loved with many special memories. He and Sue opened their home to many exchange students whom they held close to their heart, including Pilar, Eva, Yolanda, Ana, Pepe, Lorena, and Elizabeth. His family and friends will fondly remember many camp trips at Allegheny State Park, where Tom hand-carved walking sticks, dominated all-night euchre tournaments, and proved himself a fierce competitor in the Rinke Olympic Games. Most recently, he enjoyed his honeymoon at Niagara-On-The-Lake, a beach vacation with the Kuhars, and visiting long-time family friends, the Larsons and Jack Keller. His calm, gentle demeanor, easy smile, and kind eyes will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him, but the lessons he taught his loved ones will always remain. Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Sue Rinke. He is survived by his second wife, Mary Kuhar; his children, Kim Sullivan (Brian), Halle VanDamia (Mike), Tom Rinke, and Randy Rinke (Mary); his grandchildren, Katie, Taylor, Nick, Jessica, Noah, Hannah, Elise, and Jaxsen. Also surviving are his brothers, Dick Rinke (Connie) and Dave Rinke (Marilyn); along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition, survivors include Mary's six children, spouses, and 18 grandchildren. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 5151 Buffalo Road (at Hannon Rd. in Harborcreek Twp.) on Friday from 4 to 8 pm and are invited to attend a Funeral Service on Saturday at St. James R.C. Church at 1 pm. Private entombment will take place at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Emmaus Ministries/Soup Kitchen, 345 East 9th Street, Erie, PA 16503 or to the Mercy Hilltop Senior Center, 444 East Grandview Blvd., Erie, PA 16504.