Obituary of Paul Rinko
Mr. Paul Rinko, 88, of Yorkville, passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at the Pines at Utica Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.
Paul was born in Herkimer, NY on July 12, 1934, the son of Michael and Anna (Kovalachuk) Rinko. He was raised in Herkimer and was a graduate of Herkimer High School. Paul honorably served in the US Army during the Korean War. After his discharge from the Army, Paul would go on to further his education by earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from Utica College, a master’s degree in history from the University of North Carolina and a master’s degree in education from New York University. On July 28, 1962, Paul was united in marriage with Mary Kate Emdin at St. Mary’s Church in Utica. Paul was briefly employed as an administrator with the Boys Club in Milwaukee, WI before returning to Central New York to start a family. He was employed for many years as a teacher with the Utica Public School System, retiring in 2000. He also owned and operated a small vending machine business. Paul enjoyed swimming, fishing, golf and puttering around the house. Among other things, he was a minor league and little league baseball coach in Yorkville, as well as a member of the Moose Lodge, Yorkville Volunteer Fire Department and a parishioner of Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Herkimer.
Mr. Rinko is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Kate; two sons, Paul Rinko and Mike Rinko, both of Richmond, VA; one brother and two sisters-in-law, John and Jean Rinko of Saratoga Springs, NY and Sr. Ann Marie Emdin in Ossining, NY at the Maryknoll Mother House, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Anna; four brothers, George, Anthony Joseph, and Michael, Jr. and one sister, Mary Sokolowski.
Funeral arrangements will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Yorkville Volunteer Fire Department, 34 6th St., Yorkville, NY 13495 in Paul’s memory.
In Loving Memory
Paul Rinko
1934 - 2023
