Deborah Ann Rinaldi

Deborah Ann Rinaldi, age 63, passed away peacefully after complications due to cancer on the morning of June 25, 2025, at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Born on June 22, 1962, in Washington, D.C., Deborah was the eldest child of Ronald and Barbara Rinaldi. She was the loving older sister to Mike Rinaldi (Kristen), Thomas Rinaldi, Theresa Knowlan (John), Mary Ann Dispanet (Brian), Kathleen Bryant (Ben), and Susan Novik (Keith). Deborah was also a proud aunt to Mara, Eva, and Gabrielle Rinaldi; Patrick, Ryan, and Christopher Knowlan; Matthew, Sarah, and Daniel Dispanet; and Taylor and Kamryn Bryant. Family was incredibly important to Debi, and she truly loved hers. If you stepped into her home, you would be greeted by a wall filled with family portraits, showcasing pictures that spanned from her great-grandparents to her grand-nephews. She had a close relationship with her mother and father and never let a day go by without calling them. Throughout her life, from childhood to adulthood, from morning to the wee hours of the night, she was there for her six younger siblings in the best way she knew how. Debi had a deep interest in her family roots and treasured pictures and sentimental items from family members. Whether close or distant, biological or adoptive, living or deceased, there was a significant place in her heart for everything related to family. Later in life, Debi was overjoyed to discover and develop relationships with two of her biological brothers, Michael and Gregory. Reconnecting with family members and friends through phone calls and social media energized Debi. She was often thrilled to share the latest updates about reuniting with family and friends, including her biological family, childhood neighbors, fellow classmates from W.T. Woodson High School, and her colleagues from Arlington Woodworking & Lumber Company. Remarkably, Debi seemed to remember everyone she had ever met and valued the unique roles each person had played in her life. Debi expressed her love through giving and helping others. She was always excited to give gifts, especially those she had created from the heart. Debi knitted blankets for each of her newborn grandnephews, shared her paintings and crafts, and gave sentimental gifts, such as Christmas ornaments made from Barbara’s wedding veil, to each of her siblings. She opened her home to those in need. When she was feeling well, she baked for her neighbors, assisted them with transportation, and helped provide resources when necessary. As an animal lover, she never turned away a stray dog or cat without first ensuring they were fed and healthy. In her final year, Debi began to rediscover her faith and reconnect with God. She found comfort in praying regularly with her Aunt Mary and her Uncle Vic over the phone. While in the hospital, she sought counsel from and welcomed daily visits from clergy. This renewed faith brought her peace, and we find solace in knowing that she is now free from pain and at eternal rest. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 11, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 8213 Linton Hall Road, Gainesville, Virginia 20155. Following the service, there will be prayer and a burial at Stonewall Memory Gardens, 12004 Lee Highway, Manassas, VA.

Deborah Ann Rinaldi

June 22, 1962 - June 25, 2025