Bill entered into eternal rest at the Bay Pines Veterans Hospital with his son and friends at his side on April 3, 2014.
Bill, known to his family and friends as “The Colonel,” was born William Rinaldi II on September 6, 1943. Son of the late John and Nancy Sebastiano Rinaldi of Poughkeepsie, NY, Bill is survived by his son, Dr. Joshua Rinaldi, sisters Joan Cerniglia, Nancy Rinaldi and her husband, Anthony Minervini, brother Richard and his wife, Susan, and John Jr. and his wife, Janeanne, and brother-in-law, Peter Scofield, aunts and many nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his sister Judith Scofield and brother-in-law Philip Cerniglia.
Bill attended Mount Carmel School, Poughkeepsie High School, Roosevelt High School (in Hyde Park, New York), and Dutchess Community College. He enlisted in the United States Army and served from 1965 to 1968 during the Vietnam conflict. Bill, along with members of his battalion, was awarded two Bronze Service Stars while stationed at Pleiku, Vietnam, for his part in two major combat operations during his tour of duty.
Upon returning from Vietnam, Bill was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas where he played in the First Armored Division Band for the remainder of his service.
In civilian life, Bill created a successful auction and flea-market enterprise. One of his innovations in this industry was an appraisal radio call-in show that was distributed to five states in the Northeast, and it continues to this day worldwide via the Internet.
Bill will be remembered by his friends and family as very generous and caring. His larger than life personality entertained friends, family and clients and kept them coming back for more. This hard working, hard playing, charismatic individual will be missed.
A military service will be held 3:00 PM on Monday, April 7, 2014 at the Bay Pines National Cemetery. Friends and family are welcome. A service will be held in New York at a later date.
Contributions in Bill’s memory can be made to The Wounded Warrior Project. http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Though I didn’t know William personally, I feel a great kinship with him, having known his brother for five decades, being born in the same year and serving in the Army from ’65-67. With profound respect, I salute his life’s many accomplishments and pray to share in some small way his family’s painful loss. Reverently, Peter Vecsey
A great friend through the years whom I admired. I ’ve always felt that to have a friend like the “colonel” was truly a blessing.My wife & I visited him @ Baypine Veterens Hospital & his “spirit’ was extremely uplifting.It didn’t take me long to realize that it was he who was uplifting me! We prayed together & it was so grand to see that he knew the Lord…..Our prayers to him & family…Love, Goose & Jackie
The news of your brother’s passing has saddened all of us at the NBPA, and we extend our deepest sympathy for your loss. We know he brought you great happiness. The passing of a brother is especially difficult and we extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
i am so sorry i just talked to Bill last week . i worked for him.I cleaned his house and helped him on some moves I am so sorry he was a great guy.
So sorry for your loss
I didn’t know Bill well but saw him at his auctions. I went to Mt Carmel with Richie and would like to express my condolences to his family. I would also like to thank Bill for his service to our country & keeping America safe.
Roe Piraino
aka Angie Harelick
What a wonderful fun loving guy….really got to know him about 6 yeas ago ….he always made me laugh…I will miss him…my deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to his family…
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Bill was always such a good guy.
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT BILL’S PASSING. WE GREW UP TOGETHER ON MILL ST,POUGHKEEPSIE. BILL WAS A LONG TIME FRIEND. AGAIN SO SORRY TO HEAR OF HIS PASSING
HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING BILL SINCE WE WERE FIVE YEARS OLD. BILL NEVER FORGOT ALL HIS FRIENDS AND IT WAS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO BE IN HIS COMPANY. GOD BLESS YOU, WE WILL MEET AGAIN.
I would like to express my condolences to Bill’s family. I knew Bill for many years from Mount Carmel School and Drum Corps, and Poughkeepsie High School. We had many good times and laughs together. May he rest in peace.
Al