Frederick C. “Fred” Rinker Obituary

Frederick C. “Fred” Rinker
Loving Family Man, Devoted Friend

Lifelong Cuba Resident, Frederick C. "Fred" Rinker, 78, of 98 East Main Street, passed away peacefully today Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at Cuba Memorial Hospital's Palliative Care Unit after a courageous battle with laryngeal cancer.

Born at the family home in Belfast, New York on June 17, 1933, he was a son of Herbert C. and Florence C. Coughlin Rinker. On June 29, 1974, in the First Presbyterian Church of Cuba he married the former Dorothy L. Kerswill who predeceased him on February 13, 1999.

Fred began working at an early age. At the age of 16 he was a baker for Farnsworth cookies. From there he worked on farms, drove truck for various businesses and eventually went to work for Genesee Beer Distributors under the ownership of Frank C. Resch, a job he did for 13 years. He always prided himself on being the only employee that could get the 1947 Mack truck hand cranked to start. When a job became available on the Village Department of Public Works crew, Fred was hired and worked the next 29 years taking care of a town and village that was his life, retiring in 1995. Even though he retired his vast knowledge of underlying water and sewer lines remained with him and quite often he was called back to work for consultations and advice as where to break ground. Parts of old East Main Street and the Hill street extension were kept snow free most days without being asked. When he was younger he enjoyed hauling loads and moving people with his big red Ford truck.

But more than an hard working employee, he was a loving stepfather, uncle, grandfather, brother and devoted friend. After the loss of his brother, he took on a very important role of helping his grieving sister-in-law raise her young children lending a helping hand anytime it was needed. When his parents became elderly he was there for them also. He always put others before himself. Throughout his entire illness his optimism and good nature showed through, and being able to return to Cuba to see his friends was his best medicine.

Fred enjoyed mowing lawn, plowing snow, patrolling the village streets and visiting with his friends. The family wishes to thank everyone that lended a helping hand, sent cards, or offered caring words during his illness, it truly meant more to him than you know.

He leaves behind four stepsons, Steven (Lori) Dougherty of Cuba, Dusty (Winnie) Dougherty of Olean, Jack (Terry) Kerswill of Salamanca, and Robert Dougherty of Olean; four nephews, Mark F. Rinker of Cuba, Michael D. (Katie) Rinker of Portville, Ronald (Ann) Rinker of Kinston, NC, and Robert (Colleen) Rinker of Wake Forest, NC; two Nieces, Katie Bandle of Las Vegas, Nevada and Cindy Rinker also of Las Vegas; his grandchildren, Jennifer Reynolds, Christina Burrows, Steven Dougherty, Jr., James Miller, Kristie Miller, Mike Schubert, Mindy Dougherty, Billy Dougherty, Jason Dougherty, Jack Kerswill, Jr., and Tammy Cassidy and many great grand children; a brother, John V. (Bridget) Rinker of Las Vegas, NV; a sister in law, Janet I. Rinker of Cuba; as well as many cousins and a lifetime of friends.

In addition to his parents and wife he was predeceased by a son Frederick J. "Joey" Rinker in 1981, two brothers Richard J. Rinker and Herbert L. "Larry" Rinker.

The family will receive friends at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba, on Thursday, October 20, 2011 from 2-4 & 7-9 P.M. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 21, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. in the First Presbyterian Church of Cuba, 38 East Main Street, Cuba, NY 14727 The Rev. John M. Woodring and the Rev. Leslie E. Chambers, will co officiate.

Burial will be along side his wife in Cuba Cemetery, Cuba, New York.

Memorial's if desired may be made to the Cuba Memorial Hospital Palliative Care Unit, 140 West Main Street, Cuba, NY 14727.

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