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Frederick C. Rinker
loving family man, devoted friend
CUBA, NY - Lifelong Cuba resident Frederick C. "Fred" Rinker, 78, of 98 E. Main St., passed away peacefully on Tuesday (Oct. 18, 2011) in Cuba Memorial Hospital's Palliative Care Unit after a courageous battle with laryngeal cancer.
Born at the family home in Belfast 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 Feb. 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 trucks 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 who 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 on 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 red Ford truck.
But more than a hardworking employee, Fred 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 the lawn, plowing snow, patrolling the village streets and visiting with his friends. The family wishes to thank everyone who lent 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, N.C., and Robert (Coleen) Rinker of Wake Forest, N.C.; two nieces, Katie Bandle and Cindy Rinker, both of Las Vegas, Nev.; 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; many great-grandchildren; a brother, John V. (Bridget) Rinker of Las Vegas; a sister-in-law, Janet I. Rinker of Cuba; 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; and two brothers, Richard J. Rinker and Herbert L. "Larry" Rinker.
The family will receive friends Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service Inc., 9 Bull St., Cuba. Funeral services will be held Friday (Oct. 21, 2011) at 11 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church of Cuba, 38 E. Main St., Cuba. The Rev. John M. Woodring and the Rev. Leslie E. Chambers will co-officiate. Burial will be alongside his wife in Cuba Cemetery.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to Cuba Memorial Hospital, Palliative Care Unit, 140 W. Main St., Cuba, NY 14727.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.
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