Ernest “Ernie” Rinella

Obituary for Ernest Rinella

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Ernest “Ernie” Rinella, 97, of Marion, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Community Living Center at the VA Hospital in Marion.

Ernie served as a radioman in the United States Navy during World War II. He was a member of the Marion American Legion Post 147, Marion VFW Post 1301, Marion Elks Lodge 800, and St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was also a founding member of the Marion Knights of Columbus 6210.

He retired as a supervisor at Jake’s Tires in Marion and also worked at Allen Industries. Upon retirement, he worked as a crossing guard at the Washington Elementary School. However, Ernie is probably best remembered for umpiring baseball throughout Southern Illinois and passing out quarters to all the kids he would meet.

He is survived by his son Ron (Carmen) Rinella, granddaughter, Cory (Scott) Brown, grandson, Nicholas (Laura) Rinella, and five great-grandchildren, Stella, Jameson, Mila, Giada and Luca. Ernie is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Josephine Rinella; five sisters, Katy Rinella, Sara Rinella, Mary Jane Rinella, Dolores Brown and Barbara Palmer; and four brothers, Frank Rinella, Tony Rinella, Joe Rinella and Samuel Rinella. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ellen Rinella, and his son, David Rinella.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Binkley-Ross Funeral Home located at 1702 Boulevard Street in Marion. A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m., with Fr. Brian Barker officiating. Full military honors will be presented at the church after Mass. Private burial to follow at Shiloh Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorials be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Binkley-Ross Funeral Home located at 1702 Boulevard Street in Marion. A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m., with Fr. Brian Barker officiating. Full military honors will be presented at the church after Mass. Private burial to follow at Shiloh Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorials be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church.

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