Michael John Rinyu, Jr.

As a small boy, Michael enjoyed fishing, riding his bike, going into “the city”, and spending time in his Hungarian Grandmothers kitchen. In his later years, he took pleasure in teaching his grandkids Hungarian words he had learned from her and making recipes which reminded him of the good food he had shared with her.

Michael graduated from Trenton Central High School in 1963. He was an avid Boy Scout, got his Ham Radio License, participated in AV Club, and Drama club.

While a conscientious objector of the Vietnam War he was drafted into the Army and served his Country in Battery C 1st Battalion 73rd Artillery 1st Armored Division. He was recognized for hiscontributions to the Vietnam War with a Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Gallantry Cross, a Purple Heart, and a Bronze Star. Michael had multiple injuries both spiritually and physically because of his exposure to the war. He was proud to receive the highest quality care possible at the Erie VA Medical Center where both he and his family were so very grateful for the care provided by PACT Team Maverick.

He moved to Jamestown NY where he was fortunate enough to meet and marry his loving wife Judith Rinyu on Aug. 19th of 1978 at Fluvanna Community Church. Michael worked for various employers doing electrical and other work.

Michael was known to orchestrate a terrifying Haunted House annually in his middle age. He spent many hours taking his son fishing on Chautauqua Lake and his wife jokingly referred to him as her co Girl Scout Leader as he was generally busy making pieces for their many craft projects. He was a gentle soul who loved to toil in his herb and vegetable patches. Michael was always distributing a multitude of dried herbs to his family. He liked to stay busy and his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will treasure the many pieces of woodwork he crafted specifically for them for generations to come.

Michael enjoyed the technical aspects of building RC planes. He and his son spent many hours constructing many various models and replacing and repairing them in his workshop. His appreciation of air craft drew him to many airshows across the northeastern states.

Michael was happiest to be surrounded by his beloved family and cats, enjoying good food, James Salt Water Taffy, listening to historical and scientific based podcasts, and introducing classic films to his grandchildren.

In his final year of life, he moved in to live with his son and family so that he could receive more daily support while on hospice. His family holds much gratitude for the staff of Asera Care who helped ensure he was able to function with the best quality of life possible in this time of his life.

In addition to his parents and sister, Michael was preceded in death by his grandson, Marshall Judd.

He is survived by his wife, Judith (Amacher) Rinyu of Jamestown NY; his son, Michael Rinyu (Leslie) of Erie PA; his stepchildren, MicheleJudd (Virgil) of St. David AZ, Kimberley Farnham (Jason) of Stockton, NY, Richard Grant Robinson (Angel) of Jamestown, NY; his grandchildren, Brianna, Taylon, Brooke, Uriah, Shea, Amelia, Rowan,and Augustine, and great grandchildren, Virgil Jr, Hadley, Myla,Sierra, and Atlas.

A small private Memorial will be held by the family. Memorials if desired may be made to the Anna Shelter or any Humane Society.

Askins Cremation Funeral Services, 8354 Wattsburg Rd., Erie, PA 16509 is assisting with arrangements.