oseph Michael Rynne, Jr. was born on January 12, 1940 to Joseph and Elizabeth (Anderson) Rynne in Boston, Massachusetts. He passed away on September 23, 2017 at James Haley VAMC in Tampa, Florida. Joseph was a 100% disabled Vietnam war veteran.
Life
He joined the Knights of Columbus in April 1974 when he made his First Degree. He was a member of Mother Seton Council 6724 until the St. Stephen Council 14084 was formed at St. Stephen’s about 10 years ago. He made his Fourth Degree in March 1976 and was a member of Bishop Charles B. McLaughlin Assembly 1850. He was a Past Faithful Navigator of the Assembly and also served as Faithful Captain and Trustee at other times, he also served as Faithful Admiral in addition to Captain and Trustee.
His passion was the Veterans at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. For them he had a “Heart of Gold”. He worked tirelessly as the Knights of Columbus head Representative to the Veteran Association of Voluntary Services “VAVS”.
- Organized food and hygiene item collection and donations to James A. Haley Veteran Hospital and the “Haley House”.
- Organized and conducted “Spring BBQ cookout” (he was the cook!) and “Christmas party” each year for the veterans in Haley House.
- Conducted annual “Sock Hop” to raise funds for Needy Veteran Families and Homeless Veterans.
These funds provided for Thanksgiving meals for the needy families and food and hygiene items for the homeless vets in the area. He was a yearly participant in the Veterans Day Parade held at James a. Haely Hospital each year in November. His latest project was the Summer Youth Program held each summer at James A. Haley Hospital.
- Each summer he ensured that the Assembly sponsored 2-3 local youth age 14-18, who worked volunteer hours at the hospital.
Family
He is survived by his wife, Tomiko, whom he was married to for 57 years. Additionally he is survived by sons Stephen M. Rynne, Col. Ronald A. Rynne, Army (Ret.) and his wife Lt. Col. Shelley Paluch, Army (Ret.); daughter Donna M. and her husband Jeffery Greer; grandchildren Caleb Michael Rynne, Jacob A. Rynne, Crescence Rynne, Patrick P. Rynne, Zachary M. and his wife Ashley Gerjets, Joshua A. Gerjets, Nathan W. Gerjets and Chandler A. Greer.
Military History
Command Sergeant Major Joseph M. Rynne, Jr. was drafted into the Army on November 18, 1959 from Cambridge, Massachusetts. His first duty assignment was to the 549th Quartermaster Company (Air Supply), Sagami Depot, Japan. CSM Rynne then served in various aviation assignments including two tours in Germany, two tours in Vietnam, and a tour in Korea. His last three years were served as CSM for the 17th Area Support Group, Camp Zama, Japan. CSM Rynne retired on November 30, 1989 with more than 30 years of service.
Awards and Decorations
At the time of his retirement CSM Rynne was eligible to wear two Bronze Star Medals, the Legion of Merit, four Meritorious Service Medals, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, ten Good Conduct Awards, the National Defense Service Medal, six Vietnam Service Medals, five NCO Professional Development Ribbons, the Army Service Ribbon, five Overseas Service Ribbons, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Valorous Unit Citation, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, his Master Aircrew Badge, the Air Assault Badge and the Korean Senior Aircrew Badge on his uniform. CSM Rynne received Outstanding Service Award of Department of Veterans Affairs for Voluntary Service Program from James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital.
Services
A funeral mass with military honors provided by VFW Post 424 is scheduled for Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 12:00 pm at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Riverview, Florida with Father Curtis Carro. CSM Rynne will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, our nation’s most hallowed ground, with full military honors including the United States Army Band and the Army Caisson Platoon of the Third Infantry Regiment.
Special Acknowledgements
The Rynne family would like to thank staff at James Haley VAMC for the outstanding care that was provided to CSM Rynne during his final days there.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Summer Youth Program in the following way:
In the memo line write: In memory of Joe Rynne, Summer Youth Program
or Newsome High School Attn: LTC Bolduc Army JROTC 16550 Fishhawk Blvd Lithia, Florida 33547
Mail checks to: James A Haley Veterans’ Hospital Voluntary Service Office 138 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Tampa, Florida 33612.
Donations are tax deductible.
Friends, family, and those who served with CSM Rynne are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
I served as an MP at Camp Zama, Japan, during the time CSM Rynne was stationed there. I interacted with him during Soldier of the Quarter Boards. He taught me a lot and I always thought fondly of him. Sending my sincere condolences to family & friends – I’m so sorry for your loss.