William R. Rinta Memorial Service

He was born March 7, 1922, to John and Kate (Tikkala) Rinta of Marlborough. He grew up in “Finntown” and was extremely proud of his Finnish ancestry. He graduated from Marlborough High School in 1940. During World War II he joined the U.S. Navy and served in the “Lion Four” unit as a torpedo man on Manus Island, New Guinea.

On Aug. 27, 1948, Bill married Audrey E. Maattila and they settled in Marlborough, where he lived most of his life. He worked for American Optical in Keene for 30 years.

Bill enjoyed traveling, always attending his yearly U.S. Navy reunions. He was a longtime member of the American Legion Croteau-Coutts Post 24. He enjoyed gardening, day trips to the beach, and his animals, but his greatest passion was fishing. You would often find Bill casting his fly rod on some area lake or pond or setting up his ice tackle on a beautiful winter day.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Susan, and her husband, Harold Tonseth, of Marlborough; and a step-grandson, David Tonseth, of North Granby, Conn.

Bill is predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Audrey, who died in November of 1998; and also his parents, one sister, two brothers, and his beloved cat, Layla.

A graveside service for family and friends was held on Saturday, September 26, 2020

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 West Swanzey Road, Swanzey NH 03446 (www.MonadnockHumaneSociety.org).

Bill was extremely proud and honored to have served his country. In memory of him, please remember to thank a veteran for their service and sacrifice.