Richard (Dick) Walter Rein, Sr. passed peacefully at home in San Rafael on March 18 after a long illness. Born in Chicago on March 13, 1934 to Walter and Mildred Nelson Rein, he graduated from the University of Illinois, Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity. He had a career in marketing. Always an entrepreneur, he opened seven stores to introduce the new color TV. He came to Macy's California and as Senior Vice President helped create an innovative electronics shopping experience including the newly invented Apple computer. He was named Electronics Retailer of the year in 1986 and California Retailer of the year at the CES Show in Las Vegas. He and his wife Rena, bought Windward Trading, a coffee and tea distributorship at the beginning of the coffee boom and created a successful porcelain brand, Renardi. In retirement, he enjoyed boating and golf and was a professional photographer. He was a past member of Marin Yacht Club and Isla del Sol Yacht and Country Club in St Petersburg, Florida, where he lived in retirement. He is survived by his wife, Rena Collins Rein, three children and their spouses; Rich (Maureen) Rein, Katherine (Mike) Wire and Margie (Chuck) Eisen, granddaughters Cristen Wire and Renee Rena (Jon-Mikkal) Personius, sister Patricia (John) Carman, sisters-in-law Patricia (Dallas) Halcomb and Mary (Elmer) Powers, cousin Carol Carson and family, 11 nephews and nieces, and supportive friends especially Leila Delger and Lois Copperman. Thanks to his Hospice caregiver team especially his nurse, Anggela Dhein. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. If you wish to make a memorial donation, please give to Hospice by the Bay, Larkspur, 415–927–2273.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Mar. 24 to Mar. 25, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Rein

5 Entries

Tony de Losada

March 18, 2025

Yet another year has passed, and I still remember Richards's close yet too brief friendship. I conjure up memories of "back in the day." Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, Japan. Drinks after work at Macy's, both of us, breaking up fights at a family wedding, sleeping on his and Rena's home-docked San Raphael boat after their first meeting with my Life Partner Peggy, which lasted 33 years until January 16, 2024, when Peggy left to say hello to Rich; never a dull moment in my memory of Rich and Rena!

Tony de Losada

May 4, 2024

It has not gone away; fortunately, my memories remind me of a fantastic time in my life when you and I palled around and when you first met Rena. I met you at the airport when you returned from Japan, where you and I often went together for Casio, Toshiba, and Nintendo visits.

Tony de Losada

March 18, 2023

We were close as friends and as were our families. I miss him, his intellect, and the rare true friendship one is fortunate to have even when it leaves you!

Tony de Losada

March 29, 2018

I know the family is devastated even though this may have been anticipated. Good bye old friend, Dick was so bright and intelligent, he enriched my business and personal life. His sense of humor and his laugh brought you into to his personal circle.
We enjoyed many after work meeting times in the restaurants surrounding Macy's. Many a purchase order was born and sketched on a Bardelli's napkin! Rich, Katherine and Margie; I remember their weddings, birthdays and unfortunately funerals.They were like my own kids, Julie and Toni, who also send condolences. I have always missed Rena and Dick. It is my pleasure to have know them both, my condolences to you all!

Peter Weil

March 29, 2018

Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of Dick Rein. He was my boss and mentor for a number of years at Macy*s California. Dick was a wonderful teacher and helped me as I began what ended up as a lengthy and successful career. He was the ultimate professional who really cared for those he encountered in his professional career.
Warmest Regards,
Peter Weil

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