Tom Rienerth

Mr. Thomas Earl “Tom” Rienerth, 85, beloved husband of Carolyn Duncan Rienerth, and a resident of Onancock, Va., passed away Thursday, June 16, 2016 surrounded by his loving family.

Born July 9, 1930 in Youngstown, Oh. and reared in Norfolk, Va., he was a son of the late Martin Rienerth and Theresa Stibinger Rienerth.  Tom graduated from The College of William & Mary in 1952, and then served his country in the United States Navy, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander.  Following his service, he married the love of his life, Carolyn, and together they relocated their family to the Eastern Shore in 1961.  Tom proudly dedicated his life to his church, his family, and his community.  He was a longtime member of Market Street United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School for many years; a member of the Lions Club and the Jaycees, a devoted volunteer for the American Heart Association; and past chairman and loyal advocate for the Salvation Army.  Above all else, his greatest contribution was to the youth of our community.  Over the last fifty-five years, Tom touched the lives of countless children through teaching at Arcadia and Nandua High Schools, coaching little league teams and high school football, and teaching swimming lessons.  Though he will be deeply missed, his legacy of true selflessness, unwavering commitment, and genuine compassion will live on through his life’s work. 

In addition to his wife of sixty years, he is survived by three children, Mark Rienerth and wife Linda of Norfolk, Patti Rienerth of Onancock, and Matthew Rienerth of Suffolk, Va.; seven grandchildren, Paul and Jason Rienerth, both of Onancock, Stephanie Oklashen of Suffolk, Cherrie Ferebee of Chesapeake, Va., Shalowda Del Rio of El Paso, Tex., Joseph Finney of Little Rock, Ark., and Zachery Rienerth of Norfolk; five great-grandchildren, Tori, Kwan, and Azanae Ferebee, and Makana and Kane Del Rio; and four nephews.  Other than his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Pamela Rienerth; and a brother, Robert “Bob” Rienerth. 

Funeral services will be conducted from the Market Street United Methodist Church on Sunday, June 19, 2016 at 3:00 p.m., with the Reverends Barton Weakley and Wayne Parsley officiating.  Interment will follow in the Fairview Lawn Cemetery.  There will be a visitation at the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home on Saturday, June 18, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 342, Onley, Va. 23418.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.