Eugene W.  Rinehimer, 85

Eugene Wayne Rinehimer, age 85, passed away surrounded by family on April 25, 2024 at Amity Place in Douglassville, Pa.

Gene graduated from Berwick HS in 1956. He received his BS in Social Studies from Bloomsburg University in 1962 and a M.ED. (Social Studies) from West Chester University in 1965.

He married Nikki Ann Scheno in 1962 and moved to Boyertown. In the same year, he began his 36-year teaching career in which he passionately educated thousands of students. Gene painted houses in the summer for 60 years and loved being with “his paint crew.” He also served as Douglass-Berks township supervisor for 12 years and was a member of St. Columbkill’s Catholic Church.

Gene enjoyed watching sports especially the Eagles, Phillies, Penn State football, Villanova basketball, and all the sports his grandchildren played. He was particularly proud of his son’s 19-year tenure of coaching Spring Ford girls’ basketball. Above all else, Gene loved spending time with his family at his beautiful home.

Gene, known as “Pop,” is survived by his wife Nikki, children Jennifer Schofield, Jeffrey (Jennifer), Jane DeRafelo (Stephen), grandchildren Elise, Dominic, Anna, Grace, Lucas, Vincent, and Daniel, brother Dale (Mary), in-laws Dennis and Charollette and Dennis Scheno, Judy Rinehimer, John Turock, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Ruth and Luther Rinehimer, sister Judith, and his brother Luther.

Visitation will take place at St. Columbkill’s Catholic Church 200 Indian Spring Road in Boyertown at 9:45 to 11 on Friday, May 3rd with services immediately following. Burial will be private.

The family would like to give special thanks to Encompass Rehab, Grane Hospice Care and Amity Place for taking such good care of him. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to St. Columbkill’s Church.

Add My Condolences

I met Gene and his wife Nikki not long after I moved to Boyertown as a teenager. They quickly became true family friends. I regret that I never had him as a teacher as many of my classmates who were fortunate to have his class, enjoyed him as a teacher. When I started my teaching career at Boyertown, I knew I could always turn to Gene for solid advice. I always enjoyed our chats which usually centered around sports. Gene Rinehimer was all class. Nikki, Jen, Jeff, & Jane, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

~ Scot Dapp
5/2/2024 5:30:32 PM

Sending my deepest sympathies to you, Nikki, and your entire family at Gene's passing. May he be at peace now.

~ Gayle Fontaine
4/30/2024 12:23:30 PM

To Nikki and the entire Rinehimer Family, we're so sorry to hear about Gene...our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Nikki, I have very fond memories of building your home, with you being ever so gracious, and Gene always ready to discuss sports and politics. Gene was a good man, a good teacher, a good American, and his passing is a loss for all of us. May the Lord bless you and keep you during this difficult time.

~ Greg and Gail Levengood BOYERTOWN, PA
4/30/2024 10:46:45 AM

To the Rinehimer Family.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wendy and Frank Speilman

~ Wendy Speilman Boyertown, Pa
4/29/2024 6:49:14 PM

A great teacher and a great guy. Deepest sympathy to his family.

~ William Rohrbach
4/29/2024 12:43:01 AM

Dear Jenny, my heart is with you and your family as you mourn the passing of Pop. Gene was a man that surely made this world a better place, both within the community and with his family and friends. His memory will live on in the lives of many. I hope all of the good memories with him will help to bring some comfort now and in the future. Love, Sherri Carruthers

~ Sherri Carruthers
4/28/2024 12:57:32 AM

Jennifer. Sending condolences and strength while you move through the grieving. I hope your family feels the love they are surrounded by. Pop seemed like a wonderful wonderful man. And you are his wonderful legacy.

~ Matthew Avery Stickle
4/27/2024 7:13:18 PM

Gene has been a part of our family for more than 25 years. We are grateful for the time we had.

~ Susie De Rafelo Malvern, PA
4/27/2024 12:18:22 PM

We will greatly miss our Uncle Riney!! He was a kind and gentle soul! We truly appreciated all the times he hosted us at his home! We have wonderful memories of times spent with family and will always remember the love and laughs we shared!!

~ Terri and Bob Freed Merrimack, NH
4/26/2024 5:49:52 PM