Francis J. Rainer, 87; had accounting firm

Francis J. Rainer, 87, founder and retired president of Rainer & Co., an accounting firm in Newtown Square, died of complications from abdominal problems Monday, June 21, at the Forum at the Crossing, a nursing home in Indianapolis.

After earning a bachelor's degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Mr. Rainer worked for an accountant in Philadelphia. In 1956, he started his firm in his basement in Drexel Hill. He later moved to an office in Upper Darby and in 1977 to Newtown Square. When he retired at 75, the firm had four partners and 50 employees, his son Brad said.

Among the firm's early clients were the Four Aces. The singing group's lead vocalist, Al Alberts, was a childhood friend of Mr. Rainer's from South Philadelphia. Other clients included the Drexelbrook apartment complex, Ortlieb Brewing Co., and beer baron William H. Pflaumer.

In 1950, Mr. Rainer joined the board of Greater Delaware Valley Savings Bank, now Alliance Bank. He eventually became chairman and was vice chairman of the board when he retired in 1998.

Alliance chairman William E. Hecht was a junior loan officer when he met Mr. Rainer in 1972. "Among all the interesting and wonderful characters I've met during my career, Frank was one of my favorites," Hecht said. "I will always remember him for the willingness he showed to work with, and very subtly teach, me when I was young and thought I knew it all."

Mr. Rainer graduated from South Philadelphia High School. During World War II, he served in the Navy in New Caledonia.

In the late 1940s, he changed his surname from Rabiolo. "At the time, if you had a vowel at the end of your name, it was difficult to find work," his son said.

An avid golfer, Mr. Rainer was a member of Llanerch Country Club, Aronimink Golf Club, and Mariner Sands Country Club in Stuart, Fla. He was a longtime Flyers season-ticket holder and enjoyed going to sporting events with his children.

A longtime resident of Gladwyne, Mr. Rainer moved to Florida in 2003 and then to Carmel, Ind., in 2007 to be close to family.

In addition to his son, he is survived by his wife of 33 years, Sandra S.; sons Richard and Douglas; daughters Diane Smith, Janice Coughlin, and Nancy Rainer-Wallace; stepdaughter Kelly Merrill; two sisters; 12 grandchildren; and his former wife, Ruth J. Rainer.

A memorial service is planned for early September.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Box 11454, Alexandria, Va. 22312.