Obituary: Peter R. Rinaudo, 70, of Waterford

Information via Thomas L. Nielan & Sons Funeral Homes

Waterford- On October 24th, 2016, Peter Richard Rinaudo, 70, peacefully passed on to eternal life with our Lord, while at home with his loving wife of 40 years, Nancy, by his side.

Mr. Rinaudo was born on February 23rd, 1946, to M. Giovanna and Peter F. Rinaudo, in Winthrop, Ma. He was raised in Medford, MA, and graduated from St. Clements Catholic High School in 1963. He earned an Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Northeast Institute, Boston, MA; and was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force Reserve in 1972 after six years of service.

Early in his career, Mr. Rinaudo was employed by the R.C.A. Corporation as a Developmental Electrical Engineer, and was part of a family partnership of Real Estate Development and Building Construction. He began his career in plastics as a Plant Engineer and Real Estate Manager for PEXCO, Plastic Extrusion and Engineering Company, in Northboro, MA and during that time he taught Plastic Extrusion Technology at Massachusetts Bay Community College, Wellesley MA, and was a member of the Plastic Advisory Board at Keefe Technical School, Framingham, MA. Shortly after, he became the founder, president, and partner of Micro-Plast, Inc, of Holliston, MA, a precision custom extruded plastics business for medical and industrial applications.

While employed at Boston Scientific and later at Davis Standard in Pawcatuck, CT, Mr. Rinaudo developed and conducted Plastic Extrusion Seminars for the Society of Plastic Engineers and the Society of Mechanical Engineers. In 2000, Mr. Rinaudo was named to the "Who's Who" in the Plastics Industry from the Society of Plastic Engineers and was also named the "Year 2000 Top Performer" award and "Business Breakthrough" award. Mr. Rinaudo was also retained as an Adjunct Professor of Plastic Extrusion Technology at the University of Pennsylvania. Later in life, he worked as a private Plastics Extrusion Process Consultant, working and teaching in the United States, as well as China, Germany, Italy, France, Canada, Mexico and the U.K.

Mr. Rinaudo worked in the community throughout his life, serving on the Community Teenage Advisory Group in Milford, MA; as a past president of the Music Booster Association in the town of Waterford, CT; and as a Facilitator of the Man-to-Man Prostate Support Group, a division of the American Cancer Society, in New London, CT. Additionally, he was asked to create and organize a new Prostate Cancer Support Group in Manchester, CT, which is still active today. He was also a volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, in both Salem and Waterford, CT. Mr. Rinaudo was also a 26 year freemason, of the Connecticut Freemasons, A.F. & A.M.

Mr. Rinaudo's strong traits of character made a lasting impression on all those he came across. His quick wit, his talent of communicating with people, his work ethic, his humor, his captivating storytelling, and an unwavering positive mindset were always present. He gave his time and attention to others unconditionally. He will be remembered as a most talented tradesman, a teacher, and salesman, as well as a loving husband, father and grandfather. Mr. Rinaudo always reminded those around him of the importance of family, and the words that he lived by; "Live Well, Laugh Often, and Love Much."

Mr. Rinaudo is survived by his wife Nancy, their son Peter A., wife Maria, and daughter Julia, of R.I.; and their son Richard A., wife Shannon, and daughter Cecelia of CT; sister Josephine Workman and husband Hendrik, and brother Rocco Rinaudo, all of MA; along with multiple cousins, nephews, and a niece.You are welcome to join the family for calling hours from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, 2016 at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons New London Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave, New London, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016, at 11 AM at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 17 Squire St., New London, CT. A reception will follow at The Port & Starboard of Ocean Beach Park, 98 Neptune Ave, New London, CT. A private burial at sea will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hartford Health Care At Home - Hospice Services, 1290 Silas Deane Hwy. Suite 4B, Wethersfield, CT, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 82 Boston Post Rd, Waterford, CT, or a charity of your choice. Condolence messages may be left on the family's memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.