Michael Rinaldi Obituary

Ten years after he's "gone," I still think about Mike in heaven. One of THE nicest humans I've ever known. (Read my post about "Mike the Barber.")

I am so sorry to here about the death of my favorite Uncle. I will miss him very much and always remember the good times I had with him when we were together, my thoughts will alway be about him and family my deepest sympathy. I will remember he always called me "here's trouble". My family will always have him in our hearts.
Ron, Judy Keith & Lindsay Cabai

Tue 18:29 PM / Feb. 23rd / 2010

Dear Mrs. Rinaldi and Children, and Dear Rinaldi Family Members:
Today we wish to extend our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Roger and I are long-standing friends of Genny and Gerald Culhane, and we just returned from Europe when we learned from our mutual friend Angie Ferraina that Genny's brother Michael had past away.
We hope that time will be your best friend and healer during this most difficult time!

Heartfelt,
Roger and Sam Byrne
Chicago, IL

Please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of your loving husband, father, grandfather, brother in law, and uncle. Mike was the kind of man that just lite up the room when he was there. He always was laughing and teasing as we recall from all the great parties we attended with you at Marylen's house through the years. My mother in law, Tina, recalls when they had their shops next to each other on Addison that each morning she would bring him his cup of coffee. And my mom, Fran, remembers running into him at Elliotts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Claudia, Jerry and Vicky Giannini
Frances Slowik
Tina Giannini

As a customer of "Mike the Barber" much of what I learned about life came from my monthly haircuts, starting from the day my mother brought me to the shop for my first cut. I will always treasure the warmth and character of Mike and will pray for his soul. Since I left Chicago, many have cut my hair, but none have given the experience of the shop. Mike defined "class act".
Rest in Peace, Mike.

Dear Jackie and family,

Helen and I were greatly saddened to hear the news of your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathy, our thoughts and our prayers.

I, too, fondly remember “Mike, the Barber,” but Mike, the Marine? Who knew? Old enough to be my father, an Army Air Corps vet himself, Mike was like most WWII veterans of his generation: not prone to talk about war. Instead, we talked about (and watched) sports at Mike’s Barber Shop on Addison and Oriole in Chicago – football, hockey, boxing and mostly baseball and the Cubs, with Wrigley a not-too-long bus ride east.

I started going to Mike’s shop when I was only about two years old. (My uncle, another Italian named Mike, also was a barber who had dibs on my first haircut!) I stopped going to Mike Rinaldi when I was 25 and married. That’s a lot of hair on the floor!

When I was in college an hour away and playing football on Saturdays, Mike would tell my Dad, “Joe, have Mark stop by for a haircut on Sunday if he comes home.” He claimed he’d be there anyway, sweeping and straightening up the place. Looking back, though, I wonder if Mike didn’t drive over and open up just for me-- not because I was special, but because he was. Those of you who knew him better than I did, his children and grand-children, family and close friends, I’m sure you all know exactly what I’m talking about.

For my favorite Mike the Barber story, as recalled by my Mom, we need to rewind to about 1965. My Mom, Ingie (she’s Norwegian!), walked everywhere. We were a typical one-car family back then. I was still small enough to be in a stroller, and she tucked me in for a late October fall stroll for a haircut. We lived on Oriole in Norridge, a little over a mile north of the barber shop. Well, once there, it started to snow and, apparently, it was coming down pretty hard. “Do you want me to go pull your car around to the door?” Mike asked, not knowing that she had walked. There were a handful of men waiting for haircuts and socializing. “Guys, keep an eye on the shop,” Mike told them as he grabbed his coat and keys. “I’ll be back in 15 minutes.” He didn’t lock the door or the cash register … just threw the stroller in the trunk and off we went. Of course, that was a different era, when men didn’t make appointments for haircuts (no “stylists” then!) and doctors, like my pediatrician, still made house calls. But still, Mike went above and beyond. That was classic Mike.

Years ago, when Mike was laid up with back problems and stuck in a strict rehab regimen at Marionjoy, I sent him a book to read because he wasn’t allowed to watch TV or have visitors. He told my Mom later what a thoughtful gesture that was, she reminded me recently. Truthfully, I had forgotten. But I’ll always remember Mike and his kindness, his friendliness.

Several times, when my father was home recuperating from various illnesses, Mike came to the house to cut his hair and clean him up. “Mark,” he said to me four years ago over the phone, “I picked up the paper this morning and didn’t like what I saw,” meaning my Dad’s death notice. We talked for a few minutes about old times. That simple phone call meant the world to me, and that was the last time I would speak with Mike. So this week it was my turn not to like what I read in the newspaper. I found it odd that his obituary didn’t mention Mike was a barber for so many years. That is, after all, how so many of us knew him. While I can’t speak for his other customers, I can speak for my Dad and myself in saying that, in the end, Mike was actually much more than our barber. So, as I read the death notice and as I write this, I shed tears of sorrow and have a painful lump in my throat, remembering Mike, my barber and my friend.

Mrs. Rinaldi, please accept my sympathy to you and your entire family. (Sorry this is so long, but I'm a writer!)

t o the Rinaldi Family,
My se=incere condolences on the passing of Mr.Rinaldi. Having had the privelidge of teaching most of his children,9 I do remember you all) I know what an outstanding father he was. I remember our Parent-teacher conferences where we bonded well with our Italian(1/2 of me) background. I'm sorry I am unable to attend the wake, but wanted you all to know that I was aware of his passing. good luck to you all through this difficult time.

Uncle Mike, or "Mean Mike" as I grew up knowing you as. Though the nickname never made any sense since you were one of the nicest people I had ever met. I was always one of your biggest fans. You will be extremely missed.

Dear Uncle Mike - You were always so special to us and the spark which lit up so many many parties. You'll have good company in heaven including my Mom and Dad who always admired you for being the family man, sportsman and all-around great guy that you were. We love you and miss you and send our love and condolences to Auntie Sissie and Danny, Diane, Jackie and Michael.

Uncle Mike, you were always one of my favorite uncles! I loved hearing the stories about my grandparents and parents when they were younger. And no, I am not in jail, as you always insinuated.

Uncle Mike, You will be greatly missed by all your family, extended family and many many friends. You were always the center of any family party. You were also my Godfather all those years ago and I love you and will miss you.

Poppy, you were the greatest grandfather anyone could ever ask for. You were always there for anyone who needed it and I know that I can still go to you for guidance. I will always cherish our Jeopardy competitions and watching the Cubs games. It will never be goodbye but see you later. And don't worry we will take good care of Grandma. In the end you got us last! Love and miss you.

Poppy, You are my buddy. I loved playing cards, fishing, doing dishes and watching boxing with you. I will miss your pasta fazol. You were always there for me. I will take care of grandma for you. I love you.

I grew up a frequent customer of "Mike the Barber". That's how we as kids knew him, not just "Mike". When getting a haircut at his shop, the talk would always be about the baseball at Hiawatha Park,where I played,or the Cubs and Sox. He seemed to know everything a young baseball loving kid like me wanted to hear. That made him one of the coolest adults around.
I hadn't thought of Mike for many years, and I was saddened by the news of his passing, but seeing his name brought back a lot of good memories.
My condolences to the Rinaldi family on the loss of a great guy.

Uncle Mike you will be missed. One of my favorite memories of you was the many times we used to get together and have "discussions" about who was better Cubs or Sox. We of course knew that the Cubs are better.
Auntie Flo I am so sorry. Please know that we are all here to help you through this sad time.

Poppy meant the world to me. My seventeen years with him have been a blessing. Although I will always wish I had more time with him, I will never forget the moments and memories he gave me. his laughter, his smile, and the shimmer in his eyes will be greatly missed. I can't picture the family without him, and although we may feel empty, as if a piece of ourselves has been taken, we must remember that he will never truely leave us. He is with God, making Heaven a louder place. I love you Poppy.

My sincere condolence to Florence and family on their loss; Mike was the greatest brother that anyone could ever be blessed with having. He was the life of the party and always had a cheerful and humorous personality; a very good husband, father, grandfather, father in law, brother, etc. I take great solace in knowing that Brother Mike had a full and good life on this planet. May the good Lord grant Mike eternal peace.

Brother Rocco

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

My grandmother, Inez Renzetti and my great-uncle, Joe Pellicionni loved Mike "The Barber" and spoke highly of him. He's been met in heaven by many. Our sympathies to you, his family. Regards, Jeanine & Jim McEnroe

Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear father, from my family to yours. Michon and Family.

Poppy, You have been the best father ever. We have such great, happy memories which really kept us going this week. You will be terribly missed. We love you.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.