Nicola Paul Rini

Nicola Paul Rini, 83, of Massillon, Ohio peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 10, 2015. Nick was born in Cleveland, Ohio on November 20, 1931 to Fred J and Florence A Rini (Geraci). He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Merry Lynne Rini (Songer), and their three daughters Angela C Kittle (Robert), Nicole L Smyk (Robert) and Josephine M Rini (Michael Rose). They were blessed with eight grandchildren: Kevin R Pelger, Brittany B Pelger (Allshouse), Mikaela L Smyk, Aurora S Herron, Nicole J Smyk, Arcana S Herron, Jeffery L Smyk, Hunter W Herron; and two great-grandchildren: Landon R Pelger and Wyatt Nicola Pelger. Also surviving is sister Mary Nicolosi (Leo) and brother Guy T Rini (Elizabeth). He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Frank F Rini (Molly). Nick was immensely proud of his Italian heritage, having been born above the family-owned winery, Rini Winery. He instilled his love of wine in his children and grandchildren and loved telling everyone the tales of the winery. He attended John Carroll University for two years before being drafted into the Army. While in the Army, he was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. Upon returning home, he worked at the family owned Texaco truck stop in Warren, Ohio for many years. After the family truck stop closed in 1973, he started his new career as an insurance agent. He went on to be promoted to branch manager for Banker's Life and Casualty in 1977, prompting Nick and Merry Lynne to transfer to the Canton area. They raised their three girls in Jackson Township. He opened Rini's Insurance Agency in 1981 and continued the business until his retirement in 1993. Even then, Nick spent many years still servicing his policyholder's needs. His sense of humor and trade mark catch phrases will often be repeated and never forgotten. He was a true handyman and loved helping lend his hands and tools to anyone in need. He took great pride in tending to his yard and gardens. He was an avid baseball, football and horseracing fan, his passion for which is now engrained in his daughters. In later years, he received great enjoyment taking care of the family cat, Armani. He especially loved his John Deere tractor and taking his grandkids for rides. He anxiously awaited each of them being tall enough to reach the blocks he had added to the pedals so they could drive themselves. He never missed an opportunity to teach children. From learning to drive the tractor (Kevin), washing and shining bike wheels (Aurora), making extra chocolaty milk (Arcana), breaking sticks over your knee (Hunter). Nick always found a way to teach something. He dearly enjoyed picking up apples and sticks with his special little buddy, Caden. Pallbearers will be Lanny Songer, Donald Ferguson, Kevin Pelger, J Robert Potter, Ralph Bridges and Tod Robinson. Honorary pallbearer, Dave Davis. The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Altercare of Nobles Pond. Their time, commitment and care of Nick is truly appreciated. It brings great comfort for the family to know Nick was looked after with such love and dedication in his final months. Calling hours will be held on Friday, January 16 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon. Funeral will be held on Saturday, January 17 at 9:00 AM starting at the Paquelet Funeral Home with a procession to St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Massillon for mass of celebration at 10:00 AM. Lunch will be provided at the Rini home following the mass. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.