Louis A. Contini

Louis A. Contini, well-known Christian community leader in New Philadelphia, entered his heavenly reward early Friday morning, January 7, 2005, at Union Hospital in Dover. He was 72.Born October 19, 1932, in Dover, Louis was a son of the late Rocco Joseph and Constance (Fazi) Contini. He was a l950 graduate of St. Joseph High School at Dover, where he was a football standout. Following graduation, he spent a few years coaching football and basketball at his alma matter. He entered the United States Air Force in 1952 and served as a staff sergeant during the Korean Conflict, receiving an honorable discharge in 1955.On June 14, 1958, he married the former Rita Martinelli in St. Elizabeth’s church at Roswell. The two shared 46 years of marriage, and raised two sons, Anthony R. (Kimberly) Contini and Jeffrey L. (Angela) Contini, both of New Philadelphia; and one daughter, Leann (Scott) Trammell of New Philadelphia.Louis was a strong contributor to the Tuscarawas Valley. His professional career began in the shipping department of Snyder Manufacturing in the late 1950’s. From the shipping department, he was promoted to the accounting department, and from there to the sales division. In 1977, he left his role as Executive Vice President at Snyder to take the reigns of Rich Industries, a company he founded in 1971. He lead the company, which manufactures protective clothing for nuclear and industrial uses, through two decades of growth. At the time of his death, Louis served as president, and chief executive officer of the company that provides a living for more than fifty families throughout the area. A committed Christian, Louis was an active member of Trinity Gospel Evangelistic Association at Canton, where he and his wife have attended worship for more than 25 years. He was past president of both the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Association and the Italian-American Golf Association. Despite his busy schedule, Louis always made time to take his grandchildren to the movies or to McDonald’s and to be in attendance when any of his family members participated in sporting events. Whether in endeavors for business or pleasure, Louis could be counted on to promote, better, and multiply the goodness of whatever pursuit came his way, from dancing with his wife, to leading a life a faith, with a positive attitude and a spirit of generosity to those less fortunate. Louis will be greatly missed by his wife, children; thirteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one adopted son, David (Sherry) Patterson of New Philadelphia; sisters, Joann Mauzella and Lucille Snyder, both of Canton, and Mary Lee (Robert) Maloney of Massillon; brother, James (Shirley) Contini of Dover; and many, many friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Joe Contini; and three sisters, Ida King, Laura Renner, and Delores Hayes.Visitation will be on Sunday, January 9, 2005 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia and on Monday, January 10, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Trinity Gospel Temple in Canton. A funeral service at Trinity Gospel Temple will be conducted by Brother David Lombardi and Pastor Larry Fletcher on Monday at 11:00 a.m. following the morning visitation. Burial will be at East Avenue Cemetery in New Philadelphia. A reception at the McDonald Marlite Conference Center in New Philadelphia will follow the committal.So that his legacy of helping others aspire to do great things, memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Gospel Youth Fellowship, 1612 Tuscarawas St. W., Canton, OH, 44708-4847, or to the First Assemblies of God Youth Fellowship, 742 Cookson Avenue SE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.