Anthony G. Rinella of Kansas City, MO was called to his Heavenly home on Saturday, November 4th, 2023 at the age of 94 years at NorthCare Kansas City Hospice.  He was simply known to many as "Tony" and  affectionately referred to, by his immediate family, as "Popps".  He was born in the back bedroom of his home on November 21, 1928, and grew up in old Northeast Kansas City.  That house was home to him and his family for almost a century. He raised his two boys, Dave and Joe there as well, along with the love of his father Bebe-Joe, mother Angeline, grandmother Teresi, and his sister Augustine.  Later, his grandchildren would come to love that old home, especially the big dining room table where many holiday family meals were enjoyed and made possible by Augustine.  After her death, Dad continued to spend his remaining years there.

Anthony attended grade school at Assumption Catholic school (now St. Anthony) and graduated in 1942.  His boys would attend that very same school, also being baptized and confirmed there.  Tony graduated from De LaSalle High School in 1946.  While there, he played basketball and was a cadet in the military prep program.  Dad still had ties to the North End, where the family first settled, playing basketball for Don Bosco.  After graduation, he was drafted into the US Army and served in Korea for 18 months driving a munitions truck and working in the overseas offices in Korea.  Five years ago, Anthony re-lived his military experiences attending an "Honor Flight" to Washington, DC where he and other military veterans were recognized for their service.  Many of his friends and family gave him a wonderful reception at KCI airport upon his return.

Anthony worked for Business Men's Assurance Company all of his career in the insurance industry.  BMA was a place of fond memories and great relationships for him expanding his friends and family.  It was there that he met his wife, Marguerite, and he also worked alongside his cousin Anthony J. Rinella as well.  Later, his sons Joe & Dave would work there, and it's also there that he met his future daughter-in-law Debbie who married Joe.  He was a member of various groups at BMA and the bowling league where he boasted about his 175 average on the team.  After many years of service at BMA in Policy Owner's Service and as Assistant Secretary, in 1987 he accepted an early retirement offer at 59 years of age.

In retirement, Tony found himself involved in different singles groups and organizations.  He belonged to the Optimist Club, and he also volunteered at the Marillac Center.  He was a member of the Diplomats and the Kosmos singles social groups where he showed off his dance moves, and also became an accomplished snow skier visiting many ski resorts in Colorado and Utah.  He enjoyed fishing, especially with his boys. He soared to new heights and saw the earth from a different perspective on a hot air balloon ride. He vacationed in Hawaii, and visited friends and family in our homeland in Termini, Sicily. Anthony also joined his BMA retirement group for lunch each month for a number of years.  He was also a member of the 5 Gallon Donor Club for the KC Blood Bank.  Over the years, he made many friends, especially new friends in his neighborhood, and was respected and loved by all.

Best of all, were the annual Rinella family get-aways cruising around on the pontoon boat and wave runners at the Lake of the Ozarks, and recently celebrated 25 years of going to the Lake. Popps enjoyed tubing with his grandkids behind the pontoon boat up until he was 90 years old.  The family treasures, and will hold those memories for a lifetime of those times at the Lake, especially the grandkids.

In his later years, Anthony enjoyed solving the daily newspaper crossword puzzle, feeding the birds, piddling on his computer and iPhone, having his lunch at the Don Bosco Senior Center, and especially having a daily phone call with one of his best friends, Ralph.  Ralph would call him faithfully every evening for his blessing in Italian.  He and Ralph were the best of friends even though neither one of them would admit it.

Anthony knew the way of salvation through Jesus Christ.  He was a devoted Catholic, loved his St. Anthony church, and his many pastors through the years.  But, most of all, he loved his Savior Jesus.  He and Joe would spend time in prayer and meditation using The Word Among Us booklet the last few years which strengthened his faith in his Savior.  Now that Dad is in Heavenly glory, we know that the Lord has welcomed him home with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant, Anthony", and we look forward to that day when the Lord calls us to re-join Anthony and we hear those same words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Services will be held on Saturday, November 11, at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m., followed by the Funeral Mass officiated by Rev. Andres Moreno.  Graveside services along with military honors will follow the funeral service, and will be conducted at Calvary Cemetery on Troost Avenue in Kansas City, MO.

Anthony was preceded in death by his sister, Augustine, Joseph his father, and his mother Angeline. Survivors include his sons Joseph (Debbie), and David, six grandchildren-Christopher, Marissa, James, Kara, Angelina, and Natalie, and one great granddaughter-Aspen.

Pallbearers include Christopher, James, Brad, Kyle, Mike, Anthony & Ralph (Honorary Pallbearer).

The family wishes to thank the Kansas City VA Medical Center for their care of Anthony earlier this year.  Also, the family wishes to acknowledge gratitude for the care and support of Anthony during his stay at the Grand Royale Senior Living facility.  Finally, the family thanks Kansas City Northcare Hospice for their outstanding care and support.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church as well as the Don Bosco Center for Seniors.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com