Olinto A. “Cheeks” Cinami, Jr. died on January 5, 2019 in Yarmouth, surrounded by wonderful, loving people.
He was born in Riverside, RI on July 14, 1938, the son of Olinto A. Cinami, Sr. and Elizabeth A. “Betty” Cinami, who was better known as “Mrs. Democrat” of RI.
After graduating from East Providence High School in 1957, he joined the RI National Guard. In 1964 he and John S. Pascalides opened Giovanni’s Restaurant in Riverside, RI.
Seven years later he left the restaurant for a sales position with John Hancock Insurance Company in RI. In 1986 he was transferred to California to promote long-term care insurance. In 2000 he retired in Palm Springs and moved to Nantucket, MA, a place which he had always loved and visited yearly since 1969.
He spent much of his time cooking for his friends, and he loved to make people laugh. He enjoyed gambling, music, and good food. A lifelong Democrat, he never missed a vote. He belonged to St. Mary, Our Lady of the Isle Catholic Church.
Olinto is survived by his sister Elizabeth and cousin Connie, and many adoring friends and godchildren from California, Rhode Island and especially his beloved Nantucket. He was predeceased by his parents Elizabeth and Olinto and his brother Michael,
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 pm on Saturday, January 12th at St. Mary, Our Lady of the Isle Catholic Church, 3 Federal Street, Nantucket. A period of visitation will be from Noon to 1 pm prior to the Mass. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marla Cerly Lamb Cancer Transportation Fund, 57 Prospect St., Nantucket.
