John Stephen Reino of South Deerfield passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in his sleep on Friday morning in his home. He leaves his wife of 60 years, Marie Reino.
John was a long time resident of South Deerfield having moved to the town in 1971. He was born in Somerville and grew up in Allston.
After meeting at an Italian restaurant, John and Marie married and lived first in Marblehead and then Milford prior to moving to South Deerfield.
John served as a U.S. Marine for three years before serving in the Naval Reserve Intelligence Command for 30 years, where he rose to the rank of commander. He graduated from Boston College and then earned a master’s degree from Northeastern University.
John served as a professor of business at Greenfield Community College for 35 years. He also co-owned a real estate business and taught many local agents in his real estate certification classes.
As a faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church in South Deerfield, John played an active role in the Knights of Columbus. He was particularly passionate about raising money for local scholarships.
John was happiest while spending time with his family. He thoroughly delighted in attending his children’s sporting events; in later years, he frequented his grandsons’ games and activities. He enjoyed walking and biking the streets of South Deerfield with Marie, chatting with friends and neighbors along the way. He loved golfing with friends, sailing, and vacationing with family at Sebago Lake, Maine, and on Cape Cod’s beaches and bike trails. In his later years, he learned to play the accordion as a hobby.
From his early days, his favorite things included car shopping, eating hot dogs, ice cream and penny candy that brought him back to his childhood in his grandparents’ corner store beneath their home in Allston. He spent many hours with his two sons hunting, mostly unfruitful, but that wasn’t the point.
John was a loving husband, a spectacular father, a kind friend, and a patient, gentle, and generous soul.
John leaves his wife, Marie; his two sons, John M. Reino and wife JoEllen and Chris Reino and wife Kristen; his two daughters, Karen Boyden and husband Ronald, and Jayne Reino and wife Melissa Vise. Grandchildren include Josiah Boyden, Patrick Boyden, Casey Reino, and a blessing on the way. His predeceased parents were John B. Reino and Mary Reino who also lived in South Deerfield in their later years.
Funeral services will be on Thursday, Sept. 22, beginning at Wrisley Funeral Home at 9:15 a.m. and processing to Holy Family Catholic Church for the Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10. Burial will follow at Brookside Cemetery. Calling hours were on Wednesday, Sept. 21.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations (in his memory) are suggested to the Knights of Columbus South Deerfield Chapter, or Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
