PLAINVILLE – James M. “Jim” Rinaldi, 87, of Plainville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center in Providence, Rhode Island.
Born on March 28, 1939, in Central Falls, Rhode Island, Jim grew up in the Pawtucket area and graduated from Saint Raphael Academy. He proudly served his country in the Massachusetts National Guard before earning his engineering degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology. Jim went on to enjoy a distinguished 40-year career as a mechanical engineer with the Foxboro Company.
Jim was the beloved husband of Edna M. (Shaw) Rinaldi for over 64 years. Together, they spent 60 of those years in Plainville, where Jim became a deeply engaged and valued member of the community. He was active in town politics, volunteered as an umpire at PAL, and even helped build the PAL clubhouse that continues to serve players and families today.
A man of many interests and talents, Jim was always busy. Over the years, he owned racehorses, crafted his own golf clubs, served as an officer in the South Shore Corvette Club, and bartended part-time at Mario’s. He had an incredible wealth of knowledge and a curiosity that never seemed to fade.
In his later years, Jim could often be found at local car shows with his Corvette, tending to his meticulously kept lawn—often while wearing one of his signature “silly hats”—delivering auto parts, or taking long drives with friends while sharing stories and wisdom. He was always ready to lend a hand, and if you drove by to the PAL fields while he was outside, you could count on getting “the wave.” That was Jim. He was the guy in the little gray truck with the red “BORO” hat with his trusty flip phone by his side.
In addition to his loving wife, Edna, Jim is survived by his sons, James Rinaldi Jr., Jeffrey Rinaldi, and Steven Rinaldi, all of Plainville; Michael Rinaldi of Pensacola, Florida; his favorite daughter, Lori Boothe of Attleboro; his grandchildren Katie, Anthony, and Joey; and his loyal companions Lily and Gertrude.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to the Sperry-McHoul-Pichi Funeral Home, North Attleboro.
Edna, Ron and I want to send our condolences to you and your family. We felt so bad when we heard the news of Jim’s passing. Hold on to all good memories and may he rest in peace. Take care and know that we are thinking of you.
Steve and Family! We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. My sister always talked about how genuine and caring he always was towards her and how much she admired him…our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mr. Rinaldi thank you so much always making my sister feel like she was a big part of your family. RIP Mr. Rinaldi
WE WERE GOOD FRIENDS WITH JIM AND EDNA. EVERY FRIDAY WE WENT OUT FOR SUPPER. JIM LOVED HIS FRIED CLAMS WITHOUT BELLIES AND HIS BLUE MOON BEER AND ICE CREAM AND AFTER WE ATE, BOB WOULD TAKE JIM AND EDNA AND I FOR A RIDE TO PAWTUCKET AND CENTRAL FALLS BECAUSE BOB AND JIM WERE FROM THERE. IN THE FALL AND WINTER, JIM AND EDNA CAME TO OUR HOUSE TO WATCH THE PATRIOT GAMES AND THEN WE WOULD PLAY CARDS AND IN THE NICE WEATHER WE DID CAR CRUISES TOGETHER. JIM WAS A FUN PERSON AND HE LOVED HIS FAMILY. HE WAS A MAN WITH LOTS OF KNOWLEDGE THAT HE SHARED WITH US. WE WILL MISS HIM.
Lori-I’m so sorry to hear about your fathers passing. May all your memories comfort you during this difficult time 💙