William R. “Bill” Rinta, 98, of Marlborough, passed away on Sept. 5, 2020, at Jaffrey Rehab and Nursing Center of natural causes.
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.
Re: Rinta Memorial Service
Awesome write up
My friendship with Bill dates back to the 1960s and our days working at American Optical. I will always remember the times he helped me get projects through his department in the optical manufacturing section of the plant…… Bill was a great guy and a special friend….. Richard Butler — resident of Marlborough and retired engineer