Donald (Donnie) Dean Rinaldi, 94

Donald (Donnie) Dean Rinaldi, born Sept. 27, 1930, in Kellogg, Idaho, passed away peacefully Dec. 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of Mayo and Anna (DeLuca) Rinaldi and spent his early years in Kellogg, where he developed a lifelong passion for athletics and the outdoors. Donnie joined the U.S. Army in 1954 and was honorably discharged in 1956. During the Korean Conflict, he was stationed at Camp Hanford in Washington state. 

Donnie’s love for sports extended into adulthood as he became an American Legion Baseball coach and served as a referee and umpire for Idaho high school and college sports, including the Big Sky Conference and the PAC 10 from the late 1950s until the mid-'70s. Donnie was later inducted into the Idaho Hall of Fame for his many years of being a referee. His dedication to fostering teamwork and sportsmanship left a lasting impact on many young athletes.

On Sept. 22, 1951, Donnie married the love of his life, Rose Mary “Rosie” Visintainer. Together, they built a beautiful life and welcomed five children: Vince (Jill) Rinaldi, Denise (Rinaldi) Hill, Mayo Rinaldi, Tony (Karin) Rinaldi and Bridget (Rinaldi) Don Stewart. Their family grew to include 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy to his life.

In his early career, Donnie owned a neighborhood store before joining the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 44. He worked on notable projects such as the Dworshak Dam and later traveled to the western United States and Alaska with Rosie, building water treatment plants for Hoffman Construction of Portland, Ore. His work ethic and craftsmanship were admired by all who knew him.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, sister Sally and brother-in-law Bud Baumgardner, in-laws Leonard and Marie Visintainer, son-in-law Rick Hill, great-granddaughter Addisyn Thomas and many cherished extended family members and friends. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Rosie, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother in-law and sister in-law, Joe and JoAn Visintainer, and countless loved ones who will miss him dearly.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Kellogg, followed by a luncheon at the Kellogg Elks. In lieu of flowers, Donnie’s family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.st.jude.org. May Donnie's memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

Memories of Donnie and messages of condolence may be shared with this family online at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is assisting the Rinaldi family with arrangements.