Barbara J. Rini

With profound sadness and endless love, we announce the passing of Barbara Rini, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, friend, mentor, and lifelong Roslyn resident whose kindness and devotion touched countless lives. Barbara was born on August 27, 1930, to William and Patricia Allan. When Barbara was only five years old, her father passed away, leaving her mother to raise her alone. The experience helped shape the strength, resilience, and determination that would become hallmarks of Barbara’s character throughout her life. She was immensely proud of her Scottish heritage and carried that pride with her always. Barbara graduated from Roslyn High School in 1948. As a young woman, she began her working life with the New York Telephone Company. Over the years, she also worked for the Roslyn and Port Washington School Districts and later at C.W. Post College. No matter where she worked, Barbara earned the respect and admiration of those around her. In January of 1955, Barbara married the love of her life, Rudolph “Rudy” Rini. Together they built a life centered on love, family, loyalty, and friendship. Barbara’s greatest joy was her family. She was the proud and devoted mother of five children: Bill, Charlene Zabransky (Jim Zabransky), Barbara Ann, the late Timothy Rini, and Kathleen Iacono (the late Mark Iacono). Her love only multiplied as her family grew. She was the cherished grandmother of Jenna Shlofmitz (Cory Shlofmitz), Eric Segal (Jo Segal), Allyson Mercurio (Nick Mercurio), Kevin Zabransky (fiancée Claire), Victor Iacono, and Thomas Iacono. Nothing brought Barbara more happiness than her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the proud great-grandmother of Dakota Rose, Shai, Mia, Emma, Banks, Bond, Mateo, Harrison, and Olivia, each of whom brought immense joy to her life. Barbara was much more than a devoted wife and mother. She was the heart of an extended family that included countless nieces and nephews whom she loved deeply. She was a wonderful daughter, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, and trusted friend. She shared a particularly special bond with her nephew Ronnie, whom she helped guide and support throughout his life. For generations of family members and friends, Barbara was the person everyone called when they needed advice or encouragement. She possessed a remarkable gift for knowing exactly what someone needed to hear. She was a natural life coach, an expert problem solver, and one of the wisest people many of us will ever know. She was instrumental in helping those she loved overcome obstacles and build better lives. Barbara’s home was a place of warmth, comfort, and unconditional love. Everyone was welcome. There was no better place to be on a stormy evening than sitting in Barbara’s kitchen with a cup of tea, a sweet treat, and one of her wonderful stories. Her infectious smile could light up a room, and her kindness made everyone feel at home. An exceptional cook, Barbara loved preparing meals for her family and experimenting with new recipes. Her granddaughter Jenna perhaps summed it up best when she said, “I can never walk into a kitchen and not think of Nanny. I will forever associate her with amazing meals.” Barbara also loved animals, especially her beloved Cocker Spaniels, who brought her endless companionship and joy over the years. As she approached her later years, Barbara was blessed to have Marcie enter her life. What began as caregiving quickly became family. Marcie cared for Barbara with extraordinary love, compassion, dignity, and devotion. The Rini family will be forever grateful for the friendship, care, and love Marcie gave to Barbara during this time. Barbara leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, generosity, wisdom, and unconditional love. The world is a better place because she was here. While a part of all who loved her leaves with her, we take comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her beloved husband Rudy, her cherished son Timmy, and the many Cocker Spaniels she adored throughout her life. We are grateful for the extraordinary gift of having known and loved her so many years. Her lessons, laughter, recipes, stories, wisdom, and boundless love will remain with us forever. Barbara Rini will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, June 25th at 10 AM at The Church of Saint Mary, 110 Bryant Avenue, Roslyn, N.Y.

Barbara J. Rini

June 13, 2026