Rinaldo N. Conti

WEBSTERVILLE - Rinaldo N. Conti, 95, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.

Born on November 8, 1928, to Orazio and Maria (Conte) Conti, Rinaldo (Rayno) was a lifelong resident of Websterville, attending schools in both Websterville and Barre.

In 1946, Rayno enlisted in the U.S. Army serving two tours post-World War II and was honorably discharged in 1949.

On June 10, 1950, he married the love of his life, Lorraine Bouffard in Saint Sylvester’s Church in Websterville. In 1963, alongside his wife, Lorraine, Rayno started Conti Oil, Inc. In the ensuing years, both worked tirelessly to help grow the business from a single service vehicle to the successful fuel company it is today.

Upon retirement in 1990, leaving the reins of the business to his son, Marc, Rayno spent his time traveling with Lorraine including trips across the country to Rome, Italy to see the Vatican and many more. Though he traveled and saw the world, Rayno was always proud to call Websterville home. Faith was a huge part of Rayno’s life, and his devotion to Saint Sylvester Church in Websterville was a true testament to that. Serving on the Parish Council for many years and being adopted daughter, Kathy Grange’s “go to person” for anything that needed fixing at the church, Rayno remained a pillar of the parish for many years. On any given day, Rayno could be found alongside good friends, Henry Turcotte and George Gagnon repairing anything that needed fixing at the church or rectory, all the while playing practical jokes on each other.

He was always busy, whether coaching his sons Chris, Dennis and Marc in baseball, watching and cheering on his beloved New York Yankees with his daughter Diane, catching up with a friend with a glass of his latest homemade vintage, or tending to his garden — which was the envy of many — Rayno was always happiest staying active and keeping himself busy.

Nothing was more important to Rayno than his family; his happiest moments were when everyone was gathered. The addition of grandchildren was one of Rayno’s greatest joys. He was always a familiar face at his grandchildren’s sporting events, whether locally or out of town, he was always there cheering them on.

A man defined by this kindness, compassion and willingness to help any who needed it, Rayno will be missed by many. Those who knew him best will always miss his sense of humor and that twinkle in his eye when you knew he was up to something. He was a life-long member of the Societa’ di Mutuo Soccorso of Barre, as well as being a member of the Barre Lodge of Elks 1535, American Legion Post 10, and the Barre VFW Post 790.

Rinaldo is survived by his children Christopher and wife, Bonnie of Charlottesville, VA; Dennis and wife, Sue of Essex, VT; Marc and wife, Chris and Diane and life-companion, David Dickinson, all of Websterville, VT; and seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his beloved wife Lorraine of 68 years, he was predeceased by his daughter Paula and siblings Flora (Conti) Adolf, Joseph (Joe) Conti, Francis Conti, Nicholas (Nick), Sandy Conti and Antonio (Tony) Conti.

Rinaldo also leaves behind three special angels Ethelma Beliveau, Linda Dimick and Betty Dodge all of whom provided gentle, loving care during his final years.

A Mass of Christian Burial to honor and celebrate his life will be held in the Spring at a date and time to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mutuo Charities c/o Rick Dente, 20 Beckley Street, Barre, VT  05641 for flood recovery.