Don Rinck
Age - 62
December 7, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Don Alan Rinck, 62, of Vineland, NJ. Don passed away with his loving wife in his arms on Sunday Dec. 3, 2023 at 3:05 AM, after a seven-year long and very courageous battle with early onset Alzheimer's.
Don was born in Palmyra, NJ to William and Elizabeth (nee Bogan) Rinck. He was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church and served as an acolyte there. He graduated from Cinnaminson High School in 1979. After graduation, when his mother wouldn't let him go to the shore house with his buddies for the summer for fear he'd get in trouble, he decided to go into the US Navy early instead of waiting for fall ("I showed her!" he laughed). There, he excelled. By age 26, he became a chief in the Navy. Just a few short years later, he made senior chief. In 1989, he was awarded the Navy Commendation for his valor in leading his men in dousing a major fire that injured nine sailors aboard the oiler, USS Monongahela. After his twenty-year naval career, Don became a sheriff's officer at the Atlantic County Sheriff's Office in Mays Landing, NJ, where he made many friends and worked for 16. 5 years, until illness forced him to retire.
Don was kind, generous, quick to forgive, slow to wrath, very protective of those he loved, tried to see the good in all people, loved animals, and loved to laugh.
Predeceased by his parents, and his brother-in-law, Richard "Rickster" Carolli, he is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Angela (nee Carolipio) Rinck; loving stepson, Mahlon L. Barber, Jr. ; cherished grandchildren, K'liedyz, Gavin, Angel, Jacob, and their mother Zoed Perez; his sister, Carol Hayner, and her two sons, Chris and Kevin; his brother, Scott Rinck (Mary), and their children Justin and Marissa; sisters-in-law Linda Secor and Carla Comess (Brad); brother-in-law Alan Secor; and many other family members and friends who adored him.
Always one to plan ahead, on Aug. 11, 2007, Don wrote this list of things that were important and memorable to him. He wanted it included in his obituary:
"I once stopped traffic for my wife.
I have been honored to spend 20 years with the finest person I ever met in 48 years on earth, my wife.
I have sailed the oceans from Guam to Amsterdam.
I met and shook Carl Brashear's hand.
I raised a beautiful son.
I tried to be kind and courteous
I have no regrets!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
One he left out, but was very proud of, was the fact that he never changed a diaper!
A military ceremony, hosted by LastSalute. US, will be held in his honor this Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, 10:00 AM, at Galloway Veterans Memorial Park, 636 S. New York Rd. (aka Rt. 9) Galloway, NJ 08205. The Atlantic County Sheriff's Office will also be in attendance with their Honor Guard. (Thank you, Adam Erskine).
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to any Alzheimer's research foundation of your choice; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (Don's favorite); or do what Don loved to do. . . pay for the person behind you at a store, or anonymously pay for the meal of someone in any restaurant.Show more