Francis D. Rineer, Colonel, USMCR, (Ret.), 93, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 10, 2013 at St. Anne's Retirement Community. His wife of 67 years Kathleen C. King Rineer died August 9, 2010. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Aaron H. and Edna M. Bertz Rineer.

He attended Sacred Heart Grade School and then graduated from Lancaster Catholic High School in 1938, where he played football and track. Francis completed his BS in Economics from St. Joseph University, Philadelphia, in 1942, where he also played football. Later in his career he completed some graduate work in education administration at Villanova University.

Francis proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during WWII and then later in the USMC Reserve. He was appointed a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserve with rank from July 18, 1942. Francis rose through the ranks obtaining the rank of Colonel in 1964. He was sent overseas to the 27th Replacement Battalion in July 1943, and served as a machine gun platoon leader, rifle platoon leader executive officer and in September 1944 assumed command of a rifle company until June 1945, and then given command of a regimental weapons company until the end of the war. He first saw combat against the enemy at Cape Gloucester, New Britain in late December 1943. He was decorated with the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism as Commanding officer of Company B, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force Pacific and the Purple Heart for serious wounds in both legs from sniper fire in action against Japanese forces at Peleliu, Palau Islands on September 20, 1944. Francis was also awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action and a Purple Heart for shrapnel wounds at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands on May 9, 1945. Other decorations included two Presidential Unit Citations, American Campaign, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign with four Bronze Stars, World War II Victory and China Service Medals. From March 1946 to July 1947 he was the US Veteran Administration Officer in Wilkes-Barre working with the Veterans Administration Guidance Clinic at F&M College and was also a USMC Reserve Recruiting Officer. For the remainder of his military career Francis served in the USMC Reserve as Commanding Officer of 1st Ordinance Field Maintenance Company, Columbia, Headquarters USMC Special Projects Officer A/CS G-1, Commanding Officer of VTU 4-16, Lancaster, and was the USMC Washington, DC, Special Action Officer F/COMM.

In civilian life he owned Francis D. Rineer Real Estate and Insurance, Lancaster, 1951-1960, he served on Lancaster City Council as Director of Streets and Public Improvements 1948-1955, was an Assistant Principal for Lancaster Catholic High School 1969-1970, and was a caseworker supervisor for Public Assistance in Philadelphia and Lancaster 1970-1982. Francis retired in 1982.

A devout Catholic, Francis was a member of Historic St. Mary's Catholic Church, where he formerly served as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and former leader of BSA Troop 17 when his sons were boy scouts. Other memberships included the Military Order of the Purple Heart, AMVETS Post #19 (the first Commander from 1947-1948 ), American Legion, VFW, Marine Corps League, Sons of Union Volunteers, Catholic War Vets, Knights of Columbus and the Lancaster Real Estate Board.

Francis enjoyed hunting, conservation, collecting miniature soldiers, Civil War history, military art, walking (all around Lancaster), reading and watching old westerns, especially John Wayne. Along with his wife Kathleen he enjoyed world travel and their numerous trips to Ireland. Most important was his time spent with his loving family.

Surviving are his children: Francis D. "Chick" Jr., ESQ, Major, USMC (Ret.) married to Betty Rineer of Towanda, Annette L. Rineer-Tighe of Lancaster, Edna B. Purcell of Lancaster, Margaret Mary "Peg" married to William Harlan of Phoenix, AZ, Thomas J. married to Sandi Rineer of Columbia, PA, Kathleen T. married to Samuel Hernandez of Millersville, John L. married to Noreen Rineer of Lancaster, Paul J. married to Karen Rineer of Columbia, David A. Rineer of Lancaster, Josephine E. "Jody" married to Raymond Ziegler of Tyrone, Bridget A. Rineer of Philadelphia, and Joseph W. Rineer of Columbia; his 20 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. In addition to his wife Kathleen, Francis was preceded in death by his daughter Mary Alice Rineer, son Patrick J. Rineer and four siblings: Henry Rineer, Margaret Cover, Mary Huhn and Sheldon Rineer. Friends will be received 9-10 AM Friday, August 16, 2013, at Historic St. Mary's Catholic Church, 119 S. Prince St., Lancaster, PA 17603, with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10AM. Interment with Military Honors in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Memorial Contributions may be made to Lancaster Catholic High School, 650 Juliette Ave., Lancaster, PA 17601-4387 or to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Dr., Triangle, VA 22172.