Charles Joseph Rainero
Charles Joseph Rainero, esteemed businessman, devoted family man, and proud Virginian, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 9, 2026 surrounded by family and close friends. Born on December 28, 1937, in Bristol, Virginia, Charlie Joe was the son of the late Leno Rainero, Sr., and Elizabeth Hawkins Rainero. He was also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Julia Powers Rainero, his niece, Amy Lynn Rainero and sister-in-law, Mary Bullitt “Butch” Rainero.
A 1956 graduate of Virginia High School, Charlie Joe continued his education at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, graduating in 1961 with a degree in building construction. While at Virginia Tech, he was a dedicated member of the Corps of Cadets and Air Force ROTC—affiliations that reflected the discipline, integrity, and commitment to service that would define his life.
Upon graduation, Charlie Joe joined Joe Rainero Tile Co., Inc., the family business founded in 1921 by his father and grandfather. He began as a project coordinator, working across a six-state area on commercial and industrial projects. With vision and determination, he later guided the family’s expansion into the precast concrete industry starting a concrete pipe plant in 1965.
As founder, president, and chairman of the board of Permatile Concrete Products Co., Charlie Joe designed and built one of the region’s premier precast concrete manufacturing facilities employing over 100 people. Under his leadership, the company expanded into five states, all while maintaining the values of craftsmanship, innovation, and family pride that shaped its earliest days.
Charlie Joe’s influence extended well beyond the precast plant. He served on the board of several state industry associations including the Precast Concrete Association of Virginia and the Old Dominion Highway Contractors Association. He was elected to the Washington County, Virginia, Board of Supervisors and served on the Board of the American Concrete Pipe Association. He chaired the Board of the National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA) and led the founding committee of the NPCA Educational Foundation, which continues to provide scholarships to students pursuing careers in the construction industry. In 1997, he received the Robert E. Yoakum Award of Merit – NPCA’s highest honor – recognizing his character, leadership, and contributions to the field.
A loyal Hokie, Charlie Joe gave generously of his time and expertise to Virginia Tech. He served as a member of the Myers-Lawson School of Construction Advisory Board and contributed to numerous university boards and committees. In 2016, the College of Architecture and Urban Studies and the College of Engineering jointly honored him with the Myers-Lawson Award, the School’s highest distinction, acknowledging a lifetime of achievement and service to the construction profession. He and his beloved wife, Mary Beth, are proud Hokie benefactors, members of the UT PROSIM Society and the Virginia Tech Athletic Foundation and have been loyal Virginia Tech football season ticket holders since 1970. Together, they established the Charles J. and Mary N. Rainero Academic Scholarship to support future generations of Hokies.
Charlie Joe and Mary Beth shared a loving marriage since 1962. He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth Newberry Rainero, and their three children, each of whom carries on the family legacy: Mimi Rainero Coles and her husband, Patton Coles IV; Charles Joseph “Joe” Rainero, Jr. and his wife, Lisa Browder Rainero; and John Valle Rainero. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Quint Coles (Martha), Jimmy Coles (Haylie), Charles J. Rainero III, Holston Rainero, Mary Wallace Rainero, Judson Rainero, and Milly Rainero. He is also survived by his brothers, Leno Rainero (Jan), Stevan Rainero, and Jim Rainero (Linda), along with several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his ever-faithful little poodle, Cosette.
Beyond his professional achievements, Charlie Joe was a man of warmth, humor, and deep gratitude. He enjoyed spending time at South Holston Lake skiing, fishing or pulling the kids behind his boat and loved to deep sea fish in the beautiful turquoise waters of Grand Cayman Island where he and Mary Beth spent winters for over 25 years. He enjoyed quail, bear, deer and elk hunting trips with family and friends, vegetable gardening, and was always building. He faithfully cheered on New York Yankees baseball and the Virginia Tech Hokies in football, basketball and baseball. He cherished his employees, celebrated the successes of others, and held fast to the belief that blessings are meant to be acknowledged and shared.
When asked to reflect on a lifetime of work and leadership, Charlie Joe offered a wealth of sage advice that captures the spirit with which he lived: “Work hard, make every stroke count, and pay attention to detail. Enjoy your work and the monetary rewards will take care of themselves. Be your own most severe critic. Don’t be afraid to share, and above all, be honest and sincere. Appreciate what you have and be happy for others who have more. Find humor in everything, enjoy your family, and appreciate your employees. Don’t talk down to anyone. Thank God every day for your blessings and take time to smell the roses.”
Charles Joseph Rainero leaves behind a legacy of integrity, service, leadership, and love–a legacy carried forward in his family, his community, his company, and the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
The family wishes to thank his many caregivers for their kindnesses and gentle care during Charlie Joe’s last few months. It brought great comfort to all of us that Dad could spend his last few days in the home he built over many years.
A service and celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Akard Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm with a service to follow at 2:00 pm with Rev. Dr. Joe Dunagan officiating. The committal service will be private.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Charlie Joe’s memory to Healing Hands of Bristol, 245 Midway Medical Park, Bristol, TN 37620; St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or a charity of your choice.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at akardfuneralhome.com
Akard Funeral Home is serving the Rainero family.
