In Memoriam: Remembering Charles Rainero and Elise Lanford

	Rainero

Virginia’s transportation and construction community is mourning the recent loss of two individuals whose lives and families have deep ties to the industry: Charles Joseph “Charlie Joe” Rainero, who passed away August 9, 2026, and Marjorie Elise Persinger Lanford, wife of longtime industry leader Stanard F. Lanford, Jr., who passed away August 15, 2026.

Charles Joseph “Charlie Joe” Rainero
Charlie Joe Rainero leaves behind a remarkable legacy of leadership, innovation, and service to Virginia’s construction industry.

A Bristol, Virginia native and 1961 graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in building construction, Rainero began his career with his family’s business, Joe Rainero Tile Co., Inc. His entrepreneurial vision soon led the family into the precast concrete industry, and in 1965 he started a concrete pipe plant that would become Permatile Concrete Products Co.

As founder, president, and chairman of Permatile, Rainero helped build the company into one of the region’s premier precast concrete manufacturers. The company grew to employ more than 100 people and expanded its reach into five states, while maintaining a strong emphasis on craftsmanship, innovation, and family values.

Rainero’s impact extended far beyond his own company. He served on the boards of several industry organizations, including the Precast Concrete Association of Virginia and the Old Dominion Highway Contractors Association, and served on the Board of the American Concrete Pipe Association. At the national level, he chaired the Board of the National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA) and helped establish the NPCA Educational Foundation, which continues to support students pursuing careers in the construction industry.

His contributions earned him the Robert E. Yoakum Award of Merit, NPCA’s highest honor, in 1997. Rainero also remained deeply connected to Virginia Tech, serving on the Myers-Lawson School of Construction Advisory Board and numerous university boards and committees. In 2016, he received the Myers-Lawson Award, the school’s highest distinction, recognizing his lifetime of achievement and service to the construction profession.

Throughout his career, Rainero was known not only for what he built, but for how he led. He valued his employees, encouraged the success of others, and emphasized hard work, honesty, attention to detail, humility, and gratitude. His influence can be seen in the companies and organizations he helped strengthen, the students and future industry professionals he supported, and the generations of his family who continue his legacy.

	Lanford

Marjorie Elise Persinger Lanford
The industry also joins the Lanford family in remembering Marjorie Elise Persinger Lanford, who passed away August 15 at the age of 91.

A native of Covington, Virginia, Elise was the beloved wife of Stanard F. Lanford, Jr. Throughout their nearly 70 years of marriage, she was a steadfast partner to Stan and the foundation of their family as he built his career.

While Stan’s work often required long hours and time away from home, he readily credited Elise with carrying much of the responsibility for raising their four children and creating the strong family life that supported his professional endeavors. Her impact was felt through the encouragement, stability, and partnership she provided throughout their life together.

Beyond her family, Elise was deeply committed to serving others. She was active in the North Lakes Garden Club, Roanoke Garden Club, PEO, Presbyterian Community Center, and Meals on Wheels. A longtime member of Northminster Presbyterian Church, she was recently honored with the Presbyterian Women’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her many years of service.

Elise is survived by Stan, their four children, eight grandchildren, a bonus grandchild, and numerous great-grandchildren. Her legacy is one of devotion to family, faith, community, and service.

Legacies That Extend Beyond a Lifetime
The passing of Charlie Joe Rainero and Elise Lanford represents a significant loss for two families with longstanding connections to Virginia’s construction community.

Rainero’s professional legacy is visible throughout the precast concrete and construction industries he helped advance, while Elise’s legacy reflects the often less-visible but invaluable role of family, partnership, and community that supports generations of industry leaders.

VTCA extends its heartfelt condolences to the Rainero and Lanford families, their friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives were touched by Charlie Joe and Elise. Their contributions, values, and influence will be remembered for years to come.