From beveragefamilyfuneralhome.com: Don retired from the Chicago Fire Department after 31 years of dedicated service in November 1996. He was an active member of CFD Union Local 2, holding various leadership roles, including Business Agent. His career took him through several units, including Snorkel Squad 2, Flying Squad 3, Squad 4, Squad 5, Engine 88, and the Office of Fire Investigation (OFI). Throughout his time in the fire service, he received numerous commendations for his hard work and commitment. Later, he became a volunteer chief with the Sandwich Fire Department, where he continued to give back to the community that had been his home for many years. He retired from the Sandwich Fire Department in July 2016 after undergoing treatment for aggressive cancer. One of the most unique chapters of Don’s life began when he served as an arson investigator with OFI. His real-life experiences inspired Robert DeNiro's character, Inspector Don Rimgale, in the 1991 film "Backdraft." Don made a small but memorable appearance in the movie and was even credited in the closing credits. This led to a new chapter in his life—acting. He joined the Screen Actors Guild, found an agent, and continued to audition for film and television roles. Don appeared in several notable films, including “Baby’s Day Out,†“Gladiator,†“Chain Reaction,†“The Fugitive,†“Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Part Two – Mask of Sanity,†and “Under the Bus.†On television, he made appearances on shows such as “Untouchables,†“Missing Persons,†“Angel Street,†“Early Edition,†“Legacy of Lies,†and “Polish Hill.†He also appeared as a guest on major programs like The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, and Entertainment Tonight, sharing his story with a wider audience. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sharon (nee Klug) Rimgale; his sister Barbara of Orlando, FL; brothers Ron (Bernie) of Nashville, TN, and Adam, Jr. of Tucson, AZ; children Becky Mannarelli, Donald “Donn†Rimgale, Jr., Roxanne (Tim) Gardner, Rachel Rimgale, Staff Sergeant Robert Rimgale (retired), and Staff Sergeant Timothy (Brittany) Rimgale, who is currently serving in the U.S. military; grandchildren Mike Mannarelli, Ryan Rotter, Griffin and Simon Gardner, and granddaughter Abigale Rimgale; as well as many nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his beloved son, Daniel, who passed away at the age of 6, and his grandson Jonathan, who also passed away at 6, along with his parents. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at the Sandwich Fire Department, located at 310 E. Railroad St., Sandwich, IL, on Saturday, November 25, at 4:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. Cards of condolences can be sent to the family through Beverage Family Funeral Home, located at 104 Terry Street, Sandwich, IL. You can also visit their website at www.beveragefamilyfh.com for more information. Thanks, Dan Pallet trucks Manufacturer yangguang,.yangguang,. , http://www.bossgoodemo.ruDonald S. Rimgale, Sr., 77, was a beloved husband, father, and community member who passed away peacefully at home in Elmhurst, IL on Monday, November 13, 2017. Born on August 3, 1940, in Chicago, IL, he was the son of Adam Donald and Stella Pearl (Lis) Rimgale. Don spent his life serving others, first as a firefighter and later as an actor, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met.
Donald Stanley Rimgale; August 3, 1940 – November 13, 2017