Sam C. Rinella, Jr.
SAMUEL C. RINELLA, Jr.
Samuel C. Rinella, Jr. age 89, of Quincy died on Sunday, January 7, 2018 at 10:37 a.m. in Blessing Hospital. He was born June 6, 1928 in Galesburg, IL. a son of Samuel C. and Fannie (McIlravy) Rinella. Sam attended
Corpus Christi High School in Galesburg. He was a 1949 Graduate of Knox College. In 1953, Sam came to Quincy and co-founded M.R.S Beverages.
He married Patricia Ann Colwell on November 27, 1954 in St. Francis church. The couple had six children.
They were lifelong members of the Church of St. Peter.
In May of 1953 Rinella and two long-time associates, Harold Sherer and L.W. Maxwell formed M.R. S. Beverages Inc and began distributing Anheuser-Busch products in Galesburg, Quincy and Hannibal MO. In 1980 M.R.S. beverages became the Rinella Company. In 1984 Rinella, along with sons Sam and Mike, expanded to become the Rinella Beverage Company located in Mundelein, IL. Sam retired in 1999 with son Jim as his successor.
Putting his family, customers and community first helped to make Rinella a success in both business and life. He was devoted to the youth of the community serving as school board president for Quincy Public Schools and later as board president of the Catholic Boys’ High School, now Quincy Notre Dame. In 1970, Rinella, along with Pat Hibbeler, Dale Craven and Joe O’Neal, played a major role in saving the Catholic high school here in Quincy.
Rinella’s devotion to his community was displayed with his service as president and vice-president of the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce. He helped organize the first Dogwood Festival and was also an active fundraiser for the United Way, YMCA, Quincy University Mart Heinen Club, Exchange Club and others. Sam was a history buff and recently played a key role in fundraising for the 150th anniversary of the Lincoln-Douglas debate activities. Sam was a member of many clubs and organizations throughout the community and was also a Fourth Degree Knight.
Along with his wife Pat and Professional Golfer D.A. Weibring, Sam was instrumental in creating the D.A. Weibring/ARC Pro-Am Golf event. The Pro-Am, with the Rinellas as a guiding force, ran for 25 years and raised over $250,000
in support of the Adam’s County Association for Retarded Citizens
Sam was also active in his own industry, serving three years on the Anheuser-Busch Wholesale Advisory panel and as the Illinois Director of the National Beer Wholesalers Association. He served as President of the Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois and earned the prestigious Mautino service award from that organization.
Sam Rinella was honored as Boss of the Year in the 1980’s and was inducted into the Quincy Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame in 2015. Sam, along with his wife, Pat, received the Friend of Catholic Education Award in 2014.
An avid golfer, duck hunter, Rinella, in his younger days, enjoyed playing tennis, bowling, and fastpitch softball.
He was also fond of playing cards whether it be bridge or poker. Rinella enjoyed life to the fullest but he was happiest when spending time with his family. Backyard barbeques, sporting events with his children and grandchildren
and anything to do with his family was what Sam Rinella was all about.
Survivors include as follows: Samuel C. Rinella III and his wife Kim Fischer Rinella of Grayslake, IL;
Michael A. Rinella and his wife Betsy Rinella of Mundelein, IL; James A. Rinella and his wife Melinda Rinella
Of Quincy, IL; Daughters, Regina “Gina” Cotton and her husband Michael Cotton of Northborough, MA and
Helen E. Sullivan and her husband Paul Sullivan also of Northborough, MA. Their youngest child Jennifer Marie
Rinella, born in 1974 preceded Sam in death on August 25, 1995.
11 grandchildren: Nick and Alex Rinella; Samantha (Rinella) Haugen, Frank and MacKenzie Rinella; Liz and Drew Rinella; Taylor (Cotton) Rose, Julie and Jack Cotton; and JP Sullivan.
Two great grandchildren, Leif Haugen and Penelope Rose.
Sam was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, wife Pat, April 26, 2015 and daughter Jennifer.
Visitation: Friday, January 12th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Church of St. Peter
Services: Saturday, January 13th at 10:30 a.m. in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and at 11:00 a.m. in the Church of St. Peter celebrated by Monsignor Leo Enlow.
Memorials: Quincy Catholic Elementary Schools (Q.C.E.S.) quincycatholicschools.org or Transitions of Western Illinois www.twi.org.
Along with many other many Quincians I mourn the passing of an outstanding citizen and human being. During the time we served together on the Quincy School Board, I came to respect and admire Sam and to look upon him as a mentor. He taught me many things about service, leadership, and civility in both roles. The strength, courage, and decency he modeled for me will be with me always.
My spouse, Mary Ann, and I join our condolences to those of Sam’s many friends and admirers. He wil live in our memories while we live.
Joe Messina
Quincy, IL
Dear Helen and family-
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr. Rinella was a very sweet man, and I truly appreciated meeting him in the college days. He and Mrs. Rinella were always very kind to me, even if I was Helen’s sloppy roommate!
All my love to the Rinella clan.
-Andrea
Sam, Kim and family. We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad, Sam. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Rinella family.
Our thoughts & prayers r with your families. Sam was a very special man & we were proud to say he was our friend. We will cherish the special times we spent with Sam & Pat. Thinking of you Coach & Barb
To the Rinella family, My deepest sympathy regarding Sam’s passing. What a full and beautiful life he lived! His positive energy and everything he has given to Quincy and Catholic education is truly inspiring. Sam and Pat were so kind and generous, and will be remembered with love, always.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. In many ways, Sam’s contributions to Quincy and the Catholic and Public school systems affected my life and career. Quincy is a better place to be because of his love for it and his dedication to make it a great city. Most important, he loved his family above all else. May his memories grace your spirits.
God Bless
Our thoughts & prayers r with your families. Sam was a very special man & we were proud to say he was our friend. We will cherish the special times we spent with Sam & Pat. Thinking of you Coach & Barb
To the Rinella Family, You are in our prayers. Sam and Pat are now together again. GOD BLESS
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved Dad and Grandfather. We have known and respected Sam for over 40 years. He was indeed an outstanding community leadrer but more importantly a kind and generous man. We particularly recall his work with various groups at Quincy University. Our deepest sympathy to your family. God bless you.
Love,
Dan & Pam Sherman
Gina, my condolences to you and your family. I have many fond memories of my time with you in grade school.
Mike, Jim and Family – I am sorry for your loss – I wish you peace
Helen, so sorry to hear the news. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Our condolences the family of Sam Rinella. He was a Quincy giant. We remember his contribution to education as successful President of the School Board – among his many achievements.
Our Hearts are with you Rinella Family, love to all of you.
So sad to hear this. Keeping you all in our hearts and prayers.
Dear Rinella Family-so sorry for your great loss. What a cherished family friend your dad was who has gone to join his ROMEO buddies. We will never forget the delightful couples wedding shower Sam & Pat co-hosted with Peggy Finnegan for us in 1983. Thanks for the many hearfelt memories Sam.
Tom & Lisa Scholz
We are sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. He was a good neighbor and a great supporter of Quincy. He will be missed. May he rest in peace!
Mike & Barb Hutmacher
I’m thinking of you Jim, Melinda and boys during this heart wrenching time. I am so sorry for your loss.