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BORN
1943
DIED
2013
FUNERAL HOME
Dennis Reinero Obituary
10/15/1943-11/03/2013
Dennis Reinero A.K.A. as "The Great Reinero" passed away peacefully on Sun. Nov. 03,2013 two weeks after celebrating his 70th birthday at his home in Santa Cruz, CA.
Dennis was one of the first airbrush artists to be able to be able to look at a picture and paint it on a T-shirt with perfect detail. Dennis was known world wide for his artistic talents, that's when he earned the title, "The Great Reinero". Dennis loved hot rods and loved to collect and design show cars. One of his pride and joys was his 1956 oldsmobile known as, "The Lavender Pearl". Dennis loved football and the 49ers. Dennis and his son Eden would spend weekends watching all the games. Dennis loved his family deeply. His father Pete Reinero, mother Genevive Reinero, grandmother Leona Varni Surdich, and his sister Cynthia Reinero who he is now joining in heaven. Dennis is leaving behind his sister, Renee Reinero,his children, Eden, Pete, Desiree Reinero, and his grandson Andre Reinero who will miss him whith all their hearts and never forget the memories they have made together. Dennis is leaving a legacy of art and friendship with all who knew him.
Goodbye to "The Great Reinero". Services will be held Sat. Nov. 9th at 2:00 at Evergreen Memorial Park, Merced, CA.
www.cvobituaries.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Reinero
denise
June 28, 2025
it saddens me deeply to see this come up on line. Dennise find all was good friends to myself and my family. I loved Dennis heart n soul and never got the opportunity to tell him and all of them thank you for always making me feel like part of the family. when we are young n dumb we think we and everyone else is invincible and will live forever. Then we see this when looking up old friends....I miss all of you. Dennis thank you for a lifetime of memories and laughter. You are so missed.....RIP my friend until we meet again. and we will....Eden please contact me @ denisedalton86@ Gmail.com
Larry Vedron
November 1, 2024
One of the best airbrush artists that ever lived. A great talent lost. They'll never be another Reinero. Work a lot of car shows with him.
[email protected]
Robert Roller
November 1, 2023
I worked with Dennis, he was and still is one of the best air brush painters ever and will always be remembered for his talent
Bob Woodward
November 30, 2022
Last time i spoke with Dennis was in the late 90's at his store in Capitola, bought a T-shirt for old times sake. I would have loved to had him as a Mentor. I moved out of State and just found out of his passing, certainly Legendary. Condolences for the family.
Larry Vedron
November 28, 2022
Larry Vedron
November 28, 2022
Larry Vedron
November 28, 2022
I knew Dennis from the car show circuit. I have many videos from 80s & 90s doing his thing. I worked with him & the Giant. When in Santa Cruz I always stop by the old t-shirt factory.
Larry Vedron
[email protected]
Robert Roller
November 1, 2022
I am friends of some on the Reinero family, worked with Dennis at some of the car shows. Helped prep Gary's Freight truck at Hiser's semi custom Auto Body years and rears ago. Hung out with Adi. I new Dennis's sister Cindy, I know Rene a little bit, all in all a great family with a lot of talent, I still think about Dennis all the time when I see custom vehicle.
Robert Roller
September 30, 2022
Took me awhile but sorry for your loss, he was a good friend of mine, I also went to car shows with Dennis, Go with God Dennis
Charles Gregory
December 5, 2019
I met Dennis back in the early 60s. I was kind of between jobs at the time and I ran across Dennis in a Carnival on the west coast. He gave me a try at air brushing and I was a natural. I traveled many places with Dennis and I must say that as well as a mentor he was also like family to me. After a few years doing t-shirts with him I went on to other things being that I was a young man and had my sights set on the future. I went to the Army and went to Nam and when I came back I was a different person. I thought of Dennis from time to time but I never looked for Dennis. Such a shame that I didnt, when I did it was on a whim. I googled his name about two years ago and found out that he had passed. I was really hurt. I loved that guy. I hope some day to run into one of his Sons and go over the days that I missed.
Rainey Day
July 29, 2014
I loved him! My father owned a 76 gas station and met Dennis whom our family became great friends with. I loved the tees-shirt he painted for me! I even sold hot wheels for him at his booth :) I think of him often; may he rest in peace and love. Rainey Day
Postoria ("P.A.") Aguirre
January 22, 2014
To ("The Great") Dennis Reinero:
You were a man of humble stature; welcoming and kind to those who visited your painting stands. But as we watched captivated by your incredible artistic talents we realized we were in the presence of True Greatness. A man of intense automotive passion, you were a phenomenal knowledge base: a cherished Elder present at the Hot Rods' birth. Model cars brought me to your door (literally), and I got to visit the Museum that was your home. You were the "car dad" I never had in life; and you shared your time, history, and knowledge over my visits...Any "Car Guy/Gal" knows the value of what Dennis brought to us-We will all never forget your Presence~
with son Eden
January 17, 2014
Shirt Factory
January 17, 2014
In his youth
January 17, 2014
with son Peter
January 17, 2014
Nannette O'Reilly
January 11, 2014
WOW! I have one of his business cards and think about "The Shirt Factory" quite a bit. I spent alot of my teens and young adult years in Santa Cruz. I still have the shirt Dennis made for me a Winne the Pooh holding a Michelob saying Go for the Gusto. I've kept all these years as I was so impressed with the great job he did. I loved that shop and went everytime I was in Santa Cruz. He will be missed!!
December 22, 2013
Wish I had some of the old art he did for us. my kids grew up with his t- shirts. He will be missed!!
Rob Ferrero
November 24, 2013
Some of the old gang from Merced just sent me a copy of the obit. It was a shock to learn of his death. Last time I saw Dennis was at the Sacramento Auto Show probably 10 years ago. He remembered seeing a poster from Gene Winfield that had my '58 Impala on it and I was able to chase Gene down at the show and get an autographed copy. Thanks for remembering me, I'll never forget you.....you're one of a kind!!
November 14, 2013
Dennis was my brother and mentor. I always respected his artistic talents and his advice. He was always there for me. I will miss him deeply and never forget him. His knowledge and detail of cars was beyond belief. There will never be anyone quite like Dennis, The Great Reinero. Thank you for being my brother and my friend. I will miss all your interesting stories. So much more to say and do....what a loss. Love you with all my heart, your sister, Renee
Eden
November 14, 2013
Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their love for my father.I'm going to miss our sundays together watching football and eating mexican food.I love my father so much I cant express the sadness I feel.Its nice to know that he was loved and respected
Thanks again Eden.
Penny Pichette
November 13, 2013
Dennis will be missed for sure , always saw him in Jan.at the Grand National Roadster show in his display booth, same spot-and you can be sure he has his spot in Santa Maria , R.I.P.
Wayne & Sharen Bloechl
November 13, 2013
It seems like just yesterday that we talked at West Coast Kustoms in May - you were still happy about getting Paul Glavaris' Rivvy - we've had good times over the years - you will be missed but your Spirit will live on in all our memories - our prayers are with you
Robert Roller
November 12, 2013
I had the chance to work with Dennis at some of the Car Shows , he was the best air brush artist I ever saw, we had lots of fun together after the shows with all the many friends Dennis knew, he will always be known as 'The Great Reinero",
ken olsen
November 11, 2013
iam to kept the sweat shirt that you painted for me of 23T at the Okland roadster show in 1967 out for more people see .thanks Dennis and you will be missed by so menny people
Debra Demos
November 10, 2013
Dennis is a legend in Santa Cruz and a very cool guy. Sending love and peace to Renee and Family. Dennis will rest in peace surrounded by so much love and happiness in Heaven.
Dennis & Mark 1957 or 58
November 9, 2013
Larry Myers
November 9, 2013
I met Dennis in late 60's When I owned Holiday Muffler. Sorry to hear he's gone R.I.P. old friend.
Ray & Tricia Trabucco
November 9, 2013
Sending our sympathies to the family. Sorry for your loss.
steve harris
November 9, 2013
remember dennis from my old days at beach street , rick petersen and dennis started beach street rev in the 80s rick passed about a month ago am on the way this am to ricks in the reno area, the end of an era.... airbrush on dennie wait you still owe me that shirt with my 60 buick on it
November 8, 2013
R.I.P. Dennis. Prayers and thoughts to the family.
ricko
November 8, 2013
keep on cruisin dennis. my life would have never been as full without you in it. you were like a brother and teacher to me. i will miss you bro.
without you in my life it would have never been as fun and interesting. you were a true brother. cruise on.
November 8, 2013
Ty Gray
November 8, 2013
The Great Reinero, He gave me my first start into the working world. We traveled to the car shows and worked at his lil shop one block from the beach. We had many good times together in santa cruz and on the road.
cousin
ty
The Russells
November 8, 2013
Dear Renee and families,
We are sorry for your loss. We'll keep you in our prayers.
Love, Janie and Frank Russell
Michael Perino
November 8, 2013
Spent quite a few 4th of July's in Santa Cruz and the house in Capitola back in the 70's with Dennis and Ty. Good memories. Our families go way back. RIP Dennis...
Edwin Doetschman
November 8, 2013
R.I.P. Dennis, you were a great dude.
Carol Reinero
November 8, 2013
Dennis was a wonderful man who always greeted you with a smile, and loved an interesting conversation. He was so proud of his children and grandson who he loved deeply, and cherished spending time with them. He will be truly missed by all who knew him and loved him.
George & Tamara Bertaina
November 8, 2013
Rest in Peace Dennis ..., our prayers and well wishes are with the entire Reinero Family.
David Landino JR
November 8, 2013
I am totally shocked sure enjoyed hanging out at the Shirt Factory in the 70's and 80's with you and Eden down by the Boardwalk rest in peace my longtime friend. David Landino JR
Jean Smith
November 8, 2013
We had our 34Ford on a Beach St shirt. It looked great. Dennis was the best. He will be missed.
Ronne Marino
November 8, 2013
Dennis was a legend in Santa Cruz, he was a wonderful person and a great Artist, a fun person,Kind heart and caring, Dennis you will be missed..My condolences to Dennis Family R.I.P.
Mark Perino
November 8, 2013
I am so sadden to hear of Dennis passing. It seems the whole Reinero & Perino family are almost all gone. Dennis was my cousin that I hadn't seen in over 35 years. My kids told to get on Facebook to help reconnect with family and friends. Just found that Dennis was in Santa Cruz I knew that but just forgot.Was going down to see him January. I am so sorry. I didn't know about Cynthia
Robert Gibb
November 8, 2013
RIP Dennis,You will be MISSED.
Patti Rocha/Coffee
November 8, 2013
I hadn't seen Dennis
for a long time. Went to a car show in Santa maria and there he was. At that time my husband and I had a 1955 Chevy Sedan Delivery. I talked with Gary and he was very pleasant.
We took him to see our vehicle and painted it oh so perfect. He was a great artist. Prayers to the family for their loss.
Jonnie Lucas
November 8, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Dennis was so much fun at the class reunion a few weeks ago. It had been 50 years since I had seen him and he was a delight. My thoughts are with you.
william jackson
November 7, 2013
im glad to have met and hung out with you. hearing about how you and your friends did the car show circuits,the main reason it still flows today for us following in the hotrod craze...may your art & legacy be preserved rest n peace.
Marcia Stroming Cook
November 7, 2013
I met Dennis through my brother Doug, who is also in Heaven. I can picture the two of them swapping hot rod stories now. Dennis was a wonderful person. May God 's comfort, strength, and peace be with his family.
arnie wiese
November 7, 2013
WOW! What a great talented person. I will miss seeing him. rip,my old friend
November 7, 2013
I used to watch him work the airbrush at the Santa Clara County Fair in the '70's, I was deeply influenced by his diligence. Cool guy.
Robert Borelli
November 7, 2013
I remember working at Big Als and going over on the corner and hanging with him.He is the great one.Peace brother.
Marcy Williams
November 7, 2013
Dennis,
I am honored to have gotten to know you over the years. You are truly one of a kind Marcy Williams
November 7, 2013
Pattidawn and I, Bill Horn, want to thank Dennis for our friendship over the years
November 6, 2013
Dennis Reinero,
Thank you for your friendship, advice, & automative design with my custom cars... You will be missed but never forgotten! Rest in Peace my friend~
John Gimelli
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