Rinaldo "Ren" Relli

Rinaldo “Ren” Relli passed away on January 5, 2026, surrounded by his family. Ren was born on November 16, 1931, in Providence, Rhode Island. He was the oldest son of the late Joseph Relli and Elvira M. (Rossi) Relli. Ren had three siblings: Virginia Kowal, Robert Relli, and the late Jennie E. Schatzl.

Ren served his country during the Korean war, where he was honorably discharged from the US Army. He was a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and later married Gail Pilvinsky in 1963. Ren was a loving father to Cindy, Michael, and Claudine (McGuinness) and a devoted grandfather to Matthew McGuinness; and the late Danny McGuinness, who preceded him in death. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Bill McGuinness; his daughter-in-law, Dawn; and three beloved grandpuppies: Cece, McLovin, and Tucker.

Ren had a lengthy career in New York City in the textile industry where he worked at Dan River and later with the Russell Corporation before retiring to Port Richey, Florida. Ren was very active during his retirement, writing for several newsletters, teaching balance classes, handling lighting and production design for local theaters, and continuing his love of art by painting and sketching. He did all of this while taking care of his wife and his daughter with special needs.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in his name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at: www.cff.org/donate

A memorial service will be held at a later date.