Dorothy "Dot" M. Reiner

Dorothy M. Reiner, 102, of Westvale, passed away peacefully on Friday at Upstate Community Hospital. Dot grew up in Rochester. She married her high school sweetheart, Chuck Reiner, in the summer of 1942. The newlyweds spent time at Mitchel Air Force Base on Long Island until Chuck was shipped out to the South Pacific. In 1953, Dot moved to Syracuse with her husband, where they raised their family. She was a stay-at-home mom who became an “Avon Lady” to earn a little extra money, and eventually returned full-time as a library aide at Westhill High School for 12 years. She enjoyed books and kids, so it was a perfect fit. Dot later retired from OCC where she worked in the Dental Hygiene department. She and her husband bought a camp on Lake Ontario and enjoyed many summers on the beach, often surrounded by children and grandchildren. Dot and Chuck enjoyed traveling in their RV for many years, first with their young children and then as a couple, visiting many national parks along the way. Dot was a member and deacon of Robinson Elmwood United Church, volunteering to call shut-ins after her retirement. She was a caring and compassionate woman – often baking goodies or sending notes to friends and family who were facing challenges. Dot will always be remembered for her amazing brownies and homemade pies. She was an accomplished writer and enjoyed sewing, knitting, reading and crosswords. Dot was an inspiration to many, facing good times and bad with grace and a quiet strength, and always coming up with a smile on her face.

Dorothy was predeceased by her son, Richard, in 1997; two infant grandchildren; and husband, Charles, in 2020.

Surviving are her daughters, Randi (William) Rhinehart of Victor, and Debra (John) Gehan of Westvale; daughter-in-law, Denise (Ron) Reiner of Sunset Beach, NC; grandchildren, Jason (Carrie) Reiner of Catawba, NC, Kathleen (Nicholas) Sciortino of Buffalo, Patrick (Sarah Morris) Gehan of Buffalo, Jamie Rhinehart of Pittsford, and Ethan (Hannah) Rhinehart of Columbus, OH; and great-grandchildren, Carson Reiner, Henry and Nora Sciortino, and Jack Rhinehart. A special thank you to Kelly, Martha, Lynn and Peggie, whose loving care made it possible for Mom to live independently.

To celebrate Dorothy’s life, relatives and friends are invited to gather on Friday, July 19, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Robinson Elmwood United Church, 126 S. Terry Rd., Syracuse, NY 13219.

A memorial service will follow.

Dorothy will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Syracuse.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Robinson Elmwood United Church or Heritage Christian Services, 275 Kenneth Dr. Suite 100, Rochester, NY 14623.