Raymond M. "Ray" Rinaldi's Obituary
Raymond M. “Ray” Rinaldi, 96, a local well-known boxer of Syracuse, passed away June 13, 2026. He was born in Syracuse, son of the late Peter and Josephine (Rosato) Rinaldi. Ray continued his love of boxing for more than 50 years as a coach and trainer with the Golden Gloves Association of America, which he established in 1994. He also taught troubled youth how to fight in the ring for decades at the West and North Area Athletic and Education Centers, non-profit programs started by Rinaldi, and the West location is still operating today.
A post from the West and North Area Athletic and Education Centers read,
“With open arms and an open heart, Ray guided thousands of youths through life, with a sternness and passion that said so much more than words ever could, regardless of race, religion, sex or creed, anyone who had the honor of meeting Ray knew that they would never be in their fight alone, and that they always had someone in their corner.”
Family always came first; he was a loving husband of 69 years to the late Florence (Rogers) Rinaldi and was also predeceased by nine siblings.
Ray leaves behind his daughter, Christine Rinaldi; two grandchildren, C. Dustin Sedlack and Damian M. Rinaldi; five great-grandchildren; his brother, Benjamin (Josephine) Rinaldi and sister, Antoinette Rinaldi.
A Funeral Mass in celebration of Ray’s life will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at St. Mary’s of the Lake Church, 10 W. Austin St., Skaneateles, NY. He will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ray's memory may be sent to his daughter, Christine, at 24 Copley St. Auburn, NY 13021, where the funds will be used for causes near and dear to Ray's heart.
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