http://ralphreinfeld.com/

Ralph David Reinfeld of Tallahassee, died unexpectedly on May 29th, 2012. Known as “Rhino” by his many friends and family, Ralph was 56 years old. Born on August 5, 1955 in Duluth, Minnesota to Moreen and Bill Reinfeld. Ralph was an avid hockey player from his early childhood and played on his high school and Jr. College teams in Coon Rapids and Anoka, Minnesota.

During his years at Anoka Ramsey Jr. College, he met and shortly after married his wife Jeanie Peterson. Shortly after getting married Ralph attended “Control Data Institute” where he graduated at the top of his class and was quickly hired by Scan-Optics. The young couple started their life journey in Fort Lauderdale, Florida after a short stay in Birmingham, Alabama. Ralph and Jeanie enjoyed numerous years together in south Florida and expanded their family in 1985 with the birth of their son Scott David Reinfeld. Shortly thereafter they moved to Tallahassee, Florida where they have lived ever since. In 1992 their daughter Mandy Elizabeth Reinfeld was born, making their family complete. In recent years, Ralph was employed by Pitney Bowes.

All those who have had the privilege of knowing Ralph will certainly agree that he was a most honorable and honest man. With an admirable character of generosity, diligence, patience and kindness. Ralph was a loving and fiercely loyal father, husband and friend. He was active in his community over the years, being a devout and active member of Grace Lutheran Church, where he particularly enjoyed coaching and playing on the men’s softball team. He was an off-ice-official for the “Tallahassee Tiger Sharks” hockey team from 1994 to 1999. Rhino was an active coach for many years to his son’s roller hockey teams, traveling all over the south east and leading a young group of men to a national title in 2002. As he told his son Scott, “They were some of the best times of my life.” Ralph was also his daughter Mandy’s, number one fan, always doing everything he could to never miss a softball game. He might not have been in the dugout with Mandy but he coached from the bleachers, critiquing her every move and most importantly giving her the encouragement to face the strongest of opponents. Ralph Reinfeld didn’t live like most of us, his “9 to 5” was around the clock. Yes, he reported to work but somehow he still always had an extra second, minute, or how ever long was needed to pitch in, lending a helping hand to anyone in need.

In life we know there are those who dream and those who accomplish dreams, but you need to know there are also those who build dreams. Ralph believed in his family and over the past twelve years help to build “Miss Mandy’s Antiques”, fulfilling a dream of Jeanie’s. The store might have moved a few times, but always without hesitation Dad was there to build, move and paint anything in sight. He had the strength when no one else did, and the vision to create what to some, was impossible. A little over a year ago another dream was brought to life, one that started as a sketch on a single piece of graph paper. Scott remembers asking his dad, “If I rent the place, can you help me build it?”, leaving his Dad to think that it was going to be a minor project needing only a wall or two. Needless to say, Scott’s dream, 1 Source Entertainment is now Tallahassee, Florida’s finest recording studio. Both dreams are filled with Ralph’s perfection and love and will continue to live on for many to enjoy.

In addition to his wife Jeanie, son Scott, daughter in law, Andrea and daughter Mandy, Ralph is survived by his mother Moreen Sprungman, sister Carolyn Reinfeld, brothers Bill and Ray Reinfeld. He also leaves behind three nieces and one nephew and a host of beloved family and friends.

Although Ralph will be greatly missed by his family and friends, his memory will live on and on through all who knew him as we remember wonderful times spent with him over the years and especially every time the words “GO VIKES” are heard.