Sheldon K Rininger

Sheldon K. Rininger, 87, passed away on March 6, 2022, after a long and fulfilling life. Sheldon was born and raised in Copley, Ohio. He was the son of the late Harold & Oona Rininger.  Sheldon married the love of his life, Joanne Rininger, on January 7, 1954, and they celebrated 68 years of a loving marriage. 

Sheldon was preceded in death by his son, Thomas and brothers, Dean and Arland. Sheldon is survived by his beloved wife, Joanne; children, Stephen, Christine (Eric) Phillips, and Denise Jackson. The joys of his life are his grandchildren, Tiffany (Justin) Fischbach, Lauren (David) Doring, Morgan Phillips, Brittany Jackson, and great grandchildren, Lillian and Hudson Fischbach, Kory and Grayson Doring, Shawn, Bryer, Jackson, Audriana, and Lola Riley. He is also survived by his siblings, Larry (Goldie) and Barbara Joy (Charles) Godar, and many nieces and nephews.

Sheldon served in the United States Navy during the Korean conflict. He worked for Ford Motor Co. for 33 years before retiring in 1987. He was a passionate and dedicated member of South Akron Lions & Copley Lions clubs for 36 years.  Sheldon was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel on March 20, 1995.

Sheldon was the founder of the Greater Akron Lions Eye Care Program (“G.A.L.E.P.”) which operated at Akron City Hospital. Sheldon was extremely proud of the program which raised over $1,000,000 dollars from Lions Club and Indivisible Donors.

Sheldon was a free and easy spirit with an incredible sense of humor. His personality was magnetic and he was a natural born story teller always ready to share a laugh. Sheldon was fiercely protective of his family – a steady and reassuring presence to all those he loved. He never met a stranger, and was generous, considerate, and kind to everyone. To know him was to love him. He will be remembered by all who made his acquaintance. Sheldon will be deeply missed by his family, friends and loved ones. However, our fondest memories of him shall forever be embedded in our hearts and minds.

Sheldon was an avid golfer since taking up the game in 1990. He was extremely proud of scoring a hole in one on the 17th hole at Chenoweth Golf Course and his 12 handicap in golf. Sheldon & Joanne lived life to the fullest and enjoyed many wonderful memories together. They loved dancing, especially square dancing, traveling and dining. Sheldon was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place.  In lieu of funeral services, and to honor Sheldon’s character, memorial contributions can be made to Firestone Park St. John Lutheran Church or Summa Hospital Ophthalmology Clinic.

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