Thomas C. Rainone

1963 - 2016

Thomas C. Rainone (1963-2016) was born in Arlington. He attended Arlington High School and graduated with a B.A. in Television and Film from UTA in 1985. He won top award at UTA for his student film "Armageddon Fabulosa," which when seen by Director Brian Yuzna, he was immediately hired for his first film "Society." Tom was a top special effects production supervisor, director, actor and music coordinator in Hollywood, Calif., and his home state of Texas. He still holds the record for hiring the most special effects companies on one film "Return of The Living Dead III." Films include: "Wishmaster," "Bride of Re-Animator," "The Crow Salvation," "Honey I Shrunk the Kids," "Lord of Illusions," "Freaked," "Silent Night Deadly Night," "Necronomicon," "Children of the Corn III," "Phantoms," "Night of the Scarecrow" and many more. He worked with many fine actors and directors: Randy Quaid, Brooke Shields, Peter O'Toole,(whom asked Tom to direct him in a scene from "Phantoms"), Keanu Reeves, Mickey Rooney, Mr. T, Ben Affleck, Alex Winter, Lloyd Bridges, Clive Barker, Brian Yuzna, Wes Craven and Ryan Brennan. He worked on over 30 feature films and wrote, produced and directed award-winning music videos for musical groups, The Ramones "Substitute," Motorhead "Sacrifice" and the Revolting Cocks "Sexy." All can be viewed on YouTube. Tom was an avid fisherman, hunter and expert shot. When he was 15, baseball legend Ted Williams took us out to go skeet shooting. Tom out shot Ted and the rest of us! Tom grew up around great American, Texas and European art, which helped sharpen his talents and eye for his film career. Throughout his life he collected and dealt in fine art. Tom was a member of S.A.G., other important motion picture organizations and of NRA, TSRA, TGCA and Sons of Confederate Veterans. Loved by his three brothers family and friends, his untimely death leaves a great void in all our lives. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Carl Rainone, and mother, Cherry Rainone. Survivors: Dogs, Babies and Max; brothers, Frank, Greg (wife, Suray), Pete Rainone; niece, Morgan Walters (Alex); and great-nephews, Cannen and Conner Walters. Funeral: 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, Most Blessed Sacrament, 2100 N. Davis Drive, Arlington, 76012. Burial: Parkdale Cemetery, 701 Mary St., Arlington. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, Wade Family Funeral Home, Arlington.