Robert "Bob" V. Rinaldi

Robert V. "Bob" Rinaldi, 74,  of Hazleton, PA, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025 in Scranton. With his family by his side, he was surrounded by love. 

On August 11, 1950, in Taylor, PA, he was the second of four children born to the late Vito D. and Claire D. (Marconi) Rinaldi.  He graduated from Scranton Preparatory High School, then went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in business from Villanova University in 1972. 

 After graduating from Villanova, he began his career in the auto industry at Vito Rinaldi Chevrolet-Oldsmobile in Shenandoah, working with his father, brother, and a small but dedicated team of professionals, several of whom he worked with for decades. In 1988, he expanded the business by acquiring the former Seitzinger Motors in Frackville, now Rinaldi CDJR in Shenandoah, and again in 1999 with the purchase Ritter Auto Mall of Schuylkill Haven, now R&R Auto Group. Throughout his business career he was a franchise dealer representing the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Buick, Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, Jeep, Ram Truck, Fiat and Lancia brands.  He was also a longtime licensee for National & Alamo Rental Car, operating out of the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Airport for nearly 40 years.  At various times he served on both local and regional auto dealer advisory boards, and his businesses have made countless charitable contributions over the 50+ years in operation. 

Though he achieved more than a modest amount of business success, unquestionably his proudest accomplishment was marrying the love of his life and creating the family he loved, cherished, and adored. 

While in Philadelphia, he met Kathleen, the woman who would become his true love, his “ever-loving”. He found her sunny disposition and natural beauty simply irresistible as did she, his kind eyes and witty charm. They wed on January 6, 1973, and for more than five decades shared daily laughter, respect, and devotion through all of life’s joys and challenges till the end- a love so rare now and inspiring to those around them.

The joys of his life were his children and grandchildren; each holding a truly special spot in his heart. He loved seeing them grow up, exploring the world and creating loving families of their own. Sharing words of wisdom, a soulful song on a weekend morning, a hand to help them up when they fell, a silly joke to make them smile when feeling blue, and the biggest, warmest bear hugs one could ever give so they knew they were loved will be forever remembered by each of them.  

Robert is predeceased, in addition to his parents, by one brother, Donald W. Rinaldi.  Surviving are his wife, Kathleen (Abell) Rinaldi; two sons, Robert P. husband of Catherine Rinaldi, Sugarloaf, PA, and Vito T. Rinaldi, Dallas, TX; two daughters, Lisa Rinaldi Ortiz, Frackville, wife of Anthony Ortiz, Nashville, TN, and Claire wife of Brandon Jeffcoat, League City, TX; sisters, Mary Rinaldi Lister, Plano, TX, and Vita Rinaldi, Addison, TX; 8 Grandchildren, Robert J. and Mia Rinaldi, Avalona Ortiz, Madison and Isabella Roubieu, and Gage, Taylor, and Braelen Jeffcoat.

 Like the sports cars he loved, Bob is driving in the fast lane forever in our hearts.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. John Bosco Catholic Church, 573 State Route 93, Conyngham, PA.  A viewing will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 AM in the church prior to mass.   Additional viewing will be held on Friday from 5:30 to 8:00 PM with kindness of Krapf & Hughes Funeral Home allowing us to use their facility at 530 W. Butler Dr., Drums, PA.  Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the Anthony J. Rinaldi Foundation for Children with Cancer by visiting their website https://ajrfoundation.org/ or by mail at 538 Spruce St., Suite 600, Scranton, PA 18503.

Those who wish to share photos or condolences to the family can visit the funeral home website at www.markjhummelfuneralhome.com

MARK J HUMMEL Funeral Home, 48 N Broad Mountain Ave., Frackville has charge of funeral arrangements. 570-874-0197

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