August 24, 1909 - September 8, 2014
Helen M. Rinaldi passed away on September 8, 2014 after a long and happy life.
Born August 24, 1909, she was 105 years old. She was one of thirteen children born to Alfonso and Concetta Del Negro in Newark, NJ.
She was a graduate of East Side High School and Newark Normal School, a teacher training institution. She returned to school and and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Kean University.
Helen was married to the late Mariano J. Rinaldi. They had three children. While her children were growing up Helen was active in community organizations. She started and became the first president of the PTA at First Avenue School in Newark. While her husband was Police Director and Business Administrator of the city of Newark she supported his work by chairing both the city wide United Way and March of Dimes campaigns. She was active in civic and community groups including the Columbus Hospital, Clara Maass Hospital, the Mt. Carmel Guild and Pi Omega sorority. When her husband died in 1964 Mrs. Rinaldi returned to teaching full time in Newark.
At age 70 she retired and used her time to travel. Mrs. Rinaldi lived in Newark, Bloomfield and Toms River before entering Whispering Knoll Assisted Living facility in Edison, NJ at the age of 100.
Her last five years were spent enjoying the company of many new friends, especially Sylvia Weyuker. She was predeceased by her husband, Mariano J. Rinaldi and her daughter Anita D'Alessio. She is survived by her son, Joseph Rinaldi, her daughter Elsie Rebovich and her husband Alan Rebovich. Helen had one grandson, Tim Rinaldi, who resides in China. She had many beloved nieces and nephews.
Services will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 9:45 am from the Costello-Runyon Funeral Home, 568 Middlesex Avenue (Rt. 27) Metuchen, followed by a 10:15 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral, Metuchen. Interment is at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington.
Visitation is Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm.
To send condolences visit www.costello-runyon.com
Source: Costello-Runyon Funeral Homes
Source: legacy.com;
Home News Tribune September 10, 2014