Michael J. "Mike" Rinehart

1958 - 2018

Michael J. Rinehart, 60, of East Hartford, loving husband of 38 years of Ana M. (Costa) Rinehart, took his final breath and peacefully passed on to eternal life with his caring family by his side on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at Hartford Hospital. Born in Staten Island, NY on May 31, 1958, a son of the late Cleveland and Ella (Kauffman) Rinehart, he had resided in East Hartford for over 42 years. Michael was the former President/CEO for 15 years of the Connecticut Eye Bank and Visual Research in New Britain. He also worked for the State of Connecticut Medical Examiner's Office for 25 years, where he was a Forensic Tech. Mike was a member and past Grand Master of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in East Hartford and was a former Board of Director for the Odd Fellows Home in Groton. Mike also was a former member of the East Hartford Lions Club. A devout Catholic, Mike was a long-time communicant of St. Rose Church, East Hartford. He enjoyed listening to music (especially Motown), and loved fishing and cooking. Most of all Mike was a proud and devoted husband, father and grandfather who cherished spending time with his entire family.Along with his beloved wife, Ana, Mike is survived by three special sons, Alec K. Barman of Wilmington, NC, Michael Rinehart, Jr. and his wife, Kim, of East Hartford, Mark P. Rinehart of East Hartford; one adored granddaughter, Ella Victoria Rinehart of East Hartford; a daughter, Tiffany Foster of East Hartford; and his pet dog, Coco. He also leaves his mother-in-law, Conceicao "Connie" Costa of Toronto, Canada; a brother, Robert Rinehart and his wife, Karen, of Washington state; seven sisters, Pat Blake of Vernon, Judy Blair and her husband, Bill, of Oregon, Mary Hoover and her husband, Bob, of South Carolina, Liz Raphael of East Hartford, Grace Rinehart of East Hartford, Denise Figueroa and her husband, Joey, of Staten Island, NY, Alma Wing and her husband, Dan, of Forestville; two sisters-in-law, Julie Rinehart of Tennessee, Alice Couto and her husband, John, of Toronto, Canada; a brother-in-law, Isaac Costa and his wife, Tina, of Toronto, Canada; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. In addition to his parents, Mike was predeceased by a brother, Gerald Rinehart; his father-in-law, Armando Costa; and two brothers-in-law, Matt Raphael who was also his best friend, and John Blake.Funeral service will be Wednesday (December 5th) at 10 am from the D'ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11 am at St. Rose Church of the North American Martyrs Parish, 33 Church Street, East Hartford. Private burial will be held at Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford at the convenience of the family. Michael's family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday (December 4th) from 3 – 7 pm at the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Michael's name may be made to the National Kidney Foundation-CT Chapter, 1463 Highland Avenue, Cheshire, CT 06410. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopoeh.com.