Stephen R. Rineberg ’59

Steve died Jan. 3, 2017. He was an art collector and indefatigable supporter of the Phoenix Art Museum.

Born in New Brunswick, N.J., Steve prepared for Princeton at Exeter. At Princeton he was an economics major, circulation manager of The Daily Princetonian, a member of the Student Christian Association, and a member of Key and Seal, where he served as bicker committee secretary. Following graduation Steve earned an MBA in accounting from Wharton.

Steve’s career was in spirits distribution, beginning with Flagstaff Liquor Co. in Perth Amboy, N.J. By 1981 he had moved to a position as vice president of the Midwestern region of KoBrand Corp., living in Chicago. He retired from that company as vice president.

Married to Gail Mandel in 1959, the couple began collecting modern and contemporary art. In the late 1980s they added Chinese ceramics. Moving to Scottsdale, Ariz., in 1991, they began their association with the Phoenix Art Museum, Steve serving as board chair and as a lifetime honorary trustee. By 2008 they completed a donation of their entire collection of Chinese ceramics to the museum in honor of its 50th anniversary. Their beneficence was recognized by the naming of the Rineberg Gallery through which each visitor entering the museum passes.

Steve was survived by his wife, Gail; three daughters; and seven grandchildren. We have sent condolences.