Obituary: Victoria C. (Albini) Rinaldi, 87, of Middlebury

Victoria C. "Vickie" (Albini) Rinaldi, 87, formerly of Waterbury, died on Friday, January 27, 2012 at Waterbury Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was the widow of David (Vito) Rinaldi.

Rinaldi was born in Waterbury on August 23, 1924; daughter of the late Pasquale and Maria Grazia (Pesce) Albini.

In 1938, Rinaldi was awarded the Palmer Method of Business Writing Certificate for her degree in excellence in muscular movement business writing. She was employed as a matron for the Waterbury Police Department for 23 years, retiring in 1998.

Prior to working at the Police Department, she worked for Lux Clock Shop, Waterbury Garment Company, Ovidio Sausage Company, Three Cousins Restaurant, where she was a short order cook, sold greeting cards out of her home, and was a caregiver for the elderly.

For many years she was the 'Hat Check Girl' for the annual New Year’s Eve party at the Pontelandolfo Community Club, where she was a member of their Women’s Auxiliary. She worked with her brothers at the Albini Funeral Home for more than 35 years.

Rinaldi was always the life of the party. She was known for telling funny stories, and for her explicit language. She always had a special place in her heart and at her table for everyone. She loved singing Italian songs and her passion was playing cards with her family and friends. Her favorite foods were pizza and ice cream, and she often joked about going on an ice cream diet.

Rinaldi is survived by her children: Diana Guiliano and her husband Ralph of Middlebury; David A. Rinaldi and his wife Rosemary of Reno, Nev.; and Debra A. Ruffino and her husband David of Las Vegas, Nev.; two brothers: Mario Albini, and Raymond J. Albini and his wife Patricia, all of Waterbury; and five grandchildren: Anthony Guiliano, Victoria Guiliano, Nicole Ruffino, Sarah and Emily Rinaldi. She was predeceased by her brother, Salvatore Albini.

The family would like to thank the staff at Candlewood Valley Health and Rehab and Abbott Terrace for their compassion and care given to their mother during her battle with dementia. They would also like to thank the staff at Waterbury Hospital for their kindness and support during this difficult time.

Calling Hours: 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home.

Funeral Service: 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, with the Rev. Ronald A. Ferraro officiating at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home.

Burial: At the convenience of the family.