Rudolph (Rudy) Rienzo

Rudolph (Rudy) Rienzo, 67, passed away peacefully at home, surround by his loving family on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, in Bluffton, South Carolina.  He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Diana Rienzo of Bluffton, South Carolina; his four daughters: Dina Cornell of Bluffton, South Carolina, Kimberly Rienzo-Tillson (Justin) of St. George, South Carolina, Stephanie Boyance (Andrew) of Bluffton, South Carolina, and Krystle Frye (Nicholas) of Guyton, Georgia; and his grandchildren: Vada-Lynne Frye, Olivia Boyance, Abigail Boyance, Elizabeth Tillson, Logan Frye, Thomas Frye, Ella Cornell, Robert Stafford, and Jay Tillson.

He is predeceased by his parents Rudolph and Lena Rienzo, his mother and father-in-law Thomas and Lucy Bartunek, his son-in-law Paul Cornell, and his grandson Vincent Rosario Tillson.

Rudy was born on October 18, 1954, in the Bronx, New York and was a longtime resident of Goshen, New York.  As he grew up, he developed a passion for cooking and utilized his skills, creative abilities, and high standards to propel himself towards a culinary career.  He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in New Hyde Park, New York.  He was a cook at the Sheraton in Nanuet where he met the love of his life Diana.  As his culinary career continued to flourish, he became the Executive Chef for Aramark at New York Life in New York City, New York.  Rudy worked for Aramark for over 20 years.  Rudy also had the opportunity to spearhead numerous celebrity events and created unique culinary masterpieces at the Museum of Natural History in New York City.  In addition, he designed a variety of ice and sugar sculptures for the formal parties within the Museum.

Rudy and Diana had a loving and caring relationship based on mutual support and a deep love for each other, which meant that they stood by each other no matter what happened for 44 years.  Rudy was committed to family and making sure that each of his children knew that they could achieve their highest potential.  Rudy’s spirit and determination encouraged himself, as well as his family, to persist in the face of many challenges.

Rudy’s children and grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life.  The legacy of Rudy’s loving spirit and zest for life will live on through them.  Rudy enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren, teaching them to cook, showing them how to make birdhouses, helping them construct gingerbread houses, teaching them how to play cards, and hearing all about their accomplishments.

Rudy was an amazing husband, dad, grandpa, and family man.  He will be deeply missed; however, he will be remembered forever and always!

Visitation services will be held at Sauls Funeral Home at 90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, South Carolina, on Saturday, July 23, 2022, from 2 pm – 4 pm.