Charles Rini, 74, Pioneer of Ohio's Grocery Industry

Charles A. Rini, Sr., 74, of Westlake, passed away Sunday, March 24 after a lengthy battle with lung cancer.

Chuck was born on July 13, 1938 and was raised on the Westside of Cleveland near Kamm’s Corners, according to Chambers Funeral Home. 

He attended St. Patrick’s School in Westpark and graduated from St. Edward High School in 1956. He earned his business degree from the College of Holy Cross in 1960.

After finishing his militry service, he returned home to work in the family grocery business with his uncles Martin, Anthony, and Michael Rini.

Chuck became the youngest president of the Stop-n-Shop franchise in 1975.

As President and COO, Chuck played an integral part in structuring a merger between Rini’s, Rego’s Supermarkets and American Seaway Foods to form Riser Foods. The newly created Rini-Rego Stop-n-Shop Supermarkets (Riser Foods) was one of largest supermarket companies in Ohio, before it was sold to Giant Eagle.

Chuck retired in 2003 and transitioned to Rini Realty, a commercial property management company founded by his uncles in 1960.

Above all else, Chuck was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Carol Ann (nee Swanwick) and his six children Charles, Jr (Michelle), Christine Slyman (Gregory), Nicole Bebie, Theresa Simms (Lee), Thomas (Melanie), and Steven (Natalie). He was a very proud Grandfather to Patrick, Elizabeth and Marie Bebie; Lila, Ben and Luke Simms; Emily and William Slyman; Robert, Peyton, Ava and Avery Rini; Domenic Rini; and Grace and Charlie Rini. Loving son of Antionette and Domenic Bisesi (both deceased) and nephew of Grace and Martin Rini (both deceased), brother of Rita Fallert (deceased) (Ralph), and Michael Bisesi. First cousin to Karen Rego (Lucian), Chuck Rini (Martha), and Rosetta Comella (Leo, deceased). Uncle to so many.

A Mass of the celebration of his life will be held at St. Angela Merici Church, (20970 Lorain Rd. in Fairview Park) at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27.

Friends may call at Chambers Funeral Home, 29150 Lorain Rd. AT Stearns Rd. NORTH on Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Community West Foundation, 20545 Center Ridge Rd., #448, Rocky River, Ohio 44116.

For more on Charles Rini, refer to Chambers Funeral Home - North Olmsted.