JEAN A. RINFRET

RINFRET, JEAN A., 90, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 10 at his residence at the Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol. He was the son of the late Arthur G. Rinfret  and Bernadette (Duhaime) Rinfret Picard. He was pre-deceased by wife Marjorie Helen (Bocook) Rinfret.

Born in Fall River, MA, Jean had resided in Kent County since moving to the area as a child. He was a graduate of Coventry schools and helped his family run Bernadette’s Diner and Rinfret’s Cabins on Tiogue Ave. in Coventry.

Jean enlisted twice into the U.S. Marine Corp during the Korean war and was awarded Good Conduct and Sharpshooter citations before his honorable discharge. Upon his return from the military, Jean was a local home builder and union carpenter.  Jean very much enjoyed inventing and building things.

He loved to dance and was a regular patron of former Coventry establishments such as the Showboat, Tiogue Vista  and Mapleroot Inn. A lifelong sun worshiper, Jean could often be found fishing and swimming at Tiogue Lake.

Jean was the dedicated father of Cheryl Rinfret, grandfather of Christina Steele and great grandfather of Julia Sarza. He is survived by two sisters, Claudette Rinfret and Diane Silva, and is pre-deceased by siblings Pauline Riffner, Marguerite Mitchell and Richard Rinfret. He was uncle to Ronald and Russel Rinfret, Gail Slezak and Shawn, Suzanne, Bruce and (the late) James Mitchell.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather Saturday, November 16, 2019 in front of the Administration Buildings at the RI Veterans Cemetery, Exeter, RI at 11:15 AM, where military honors will be observed. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island (acluri.org) would be appreciated. 

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