In Memory: Ann M. Rinaldi (Burlone)
Ann Rinaldi, of Enfield, CT, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. She was born on November 23, 1944, in Rye, NY and resided in Enfield, CT after she married. She was the daughter of Harry Burlone and Violet (Sarachino) Burlone. Ann is predeceased by her brother, Harold “Red” Burlone and Howard “Howie” Hine, husband of her precious niece. She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Jim Rinaldi, and her two daughters, Gina Rinaldi and Elena (Rinaldi) Mantoni, and Elena’s husband, Christian Mantoni, whom she so loved and adored. Ann leaves behind her sister, Theresa Iverson, ‘favorite brother-in-law,’ Robert Iverson, their children, Susan Iverson-Hine and Robert “Bobby” Iverson Jr., Jodi Grant, Karen Iverson, Bobby Iverson Jr., and Danielle Iverson, all of whom she held so dear to her heart.
Ann was raised in Rye, NY and was a graduate of Rye Resurrection School. She attended cosmetology school and later opened her own salon where she established a long list of regular customers in Westchester County, NY. Ann met her future husband, Jim Rinaldi, on a Caribbean cruise that she jokingly referred to as the “Love Boat.” Ann and Jim were married in Rye, NY on September 13, 1975. They resided in Enfield, CT, where they gave their two daughters a beautiful life rich with special traditions, trips together near and far, and precious memories, which will be held dear forever.
Of all the travels that Ann took with her family, her trips to Italy held a special place in her heart. She was so proud of her Italian heritage as it was a big part of her upbringing. Ann grew up with her family all within steps of one another – from her parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins, to her niece and nephew, who she loved like her own. It is here that all the holiday traditions, incredible food, and focus on family was born.
After having her daughters, Ann worked in the Enfield School system for many years as an aid. Of any job though, no role could trump that of wife and mother. Nothing ever came before her family. The love, support, and devotion between Ann and her family is simply unmatched. She often referred to her daughters as her two “angels.” Ann so enjoyed sharing some of her precious traditions with her daughter’s in-laws, forming that very same, cherished family bond.
Summers were Ann’s favorite time of year, where she spent many a summer day sitting by “the pool” with her family and special group of friends. You could also find Ann at the beach with her toes in the sand, whether the CT shore, Ogunquit, Maine, or Cape Cod, Massachusetts where she always said she left her worries behind at ‘The Bridge.’
What she may have lacked in height, she made up for with her glowing personality, innate sense of humor, and warm and welcoming demeanor. People loved to be in Ann’s company, and she could strike up a conversation and captivate those around her no matter where she went or what she was doing.
Ann governed her life by her devout faith, and always put others before herself. One of the immeasurable ways Ann showed her love to others was through her incredible food. The amount of scrumptious food containers that travelled between the side door of Ann’s house and her loving ‘Daigle’ neighbors, along with her best friend, Jo-Ann, of many years, are just too many to recall. If you gifted Ann a dish of food, you never received an empty container back. It was always filled with one of her homemade specialties. She was well known for her famous chicken soup and Christmas cookies.
Ann was also gifted with a green thumb and had gorgeous gardens at home that were admired by all. She loved to enjoy her morning coffee outside, while pruning her rose garden and trimming her collection of hydrangeas.
Ann was indeed an extremely special woman, the most giving person you could know, and a gift for anyone to have in their life. Her family knows that she will continue to be the incredible wife and mother that she was during her time on this Earth from Heaven with her new angel wings. She will be sorely missed but forever etched in our hearts.
Relatives and friends may join the family on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd., Enfield, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 23 Simon Rd., Enfield. Burial will follow at St. Patrick King Street Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude.
