On behalf of the Administration, Faculty and Staff of Queens College, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Gail Hersh Rinaudo.

May she Rest in Peace,

I met Mrs. Rinaudo when I was eight in the summer of 2003 at the local Summer Rec program. She was my first violin teacher and taught me how to read music. She was so patient and kind with me and I'm so grateful to her because she gave me my musical start. As someone who transitioned from violin into singing, I'm grateful for her for giving me the fundamentals of my musical journey and I feel grateful to have been taught by her.

Never a harsh word, never a loud voice, always with a smile. Yes a wonderful educator, yes a wonderful musician, but most importantly, a kind and caring person.

Mrs. R was an amazing teacher. She cultivated my love for the viola and gave me the confidence to excel. She always knew the right balance between letting us learn our lessons and giving it to us straight if we weren’t giving it our all. I spent many hours in her class and loved it all. So many cherished memories there and in the pit with good friends. I still have dreams sometimes of skipping 1st period orchestra to sleep in and Mrs R is always there shaking her head but letting me make up the time later. Sending huge hugs to Alex and Ariana and the rest of her family. 
-Sofia Sanchez Parkes
Class of ‘99 

Gail was a major influence in my high school years. I spent many days cutting gym class and hanging out in the music department office with Gail and David Heckendorn. She was an amazing teacher, and mentor to me when I needed it most. I will forever be grateful to her for helping me navigate high school and everything that comes it’s it. My deepest condolences to her family. Her loss is profoundly felt by all of us who were blessed to be around her. 

Jennifer Munson McCarthy
Wheatley High School
Class of 1988

I taught with Gail in East Williston. Gail was a cherished colleague. Although she ultimately taught only at Wheatley and I in North Side, we shared the experience of teaching the very beginner string players (she had been splitting her time between the 2 schools). We traded teaching techniques and shared stories about the adorable students. Always refreshingly honest. Direct. Funny. A talented cellist, musician and conductor she reached and connected with thousands of students throughout her career. I feel blessed to have known her and shared some of our lives together. She will be sorely missed. My condolences to her entire family. 
Rachel May

Gail was a wonderful colleague and friend. I taught her son, and she taught my children, which could have been difficult but instead was terrific. I’ll miss her sense of humor, her ability to tell a good story, and her warmth. Condolences to her family. 
Ellen Holzman

This is such sad news… she was the Orchestra director for all of my years at Wheatley. That was such a special part of my HS experience…. May she rest in peace. Sending ❤️ and 🙏🏻 to her family and friends. - Jim Lohmann, Wheatley class of 1996 

Mrs. R played a huge role in my life for so long - an unwavering cheerleader of my cello playing, teacher, conductor, mother of one of my best friends, and someone who was always there to make me laugh. She touched hundreds (probably thousands) of students during her career, instilling a love of music that so many of us continue to carry with us decades later.  Sending so much love to Ari and Alex and families at this time.

I'm so sad to hear this. Mrs. Rinaudo was one of my favorite teachers. She had me switch to viola in 5th grade bc there were too many violins. Learning C (alto) clef was a challenge but I'm glad she encouraged me to switch. I still joke that violas had the best seats in the house (surrounded by music while 'resting' and waiting to play). She was the best. So supportive beyond being a teacher. Our trip to Montreal was also so memorable. Sending condolences to her family. My viola is in the back of my closet. Maybe I'll go try to tune it in her honor and memory. She'll be missed.

Gail was a talented, loving, uplifting person who had the best interests of everyone around her at all times. 
She rarely failed to make me smile. 
Jim O’Brien 

Our families “grew up” together. Our children went to school together and we celebrated many holidays and fun times with one another. We do treasure those memories. Ken and I are saddened to hear of Gail’s passing. We offer our heartfelt   condolences to Alex, Ariana, Frank and your families. May her memory be a blessing.

Gail and I taught in the music department  of the Wheatley school for 21 years. In that time we had a wonderful relationship sharing so many good times with our students. She was an accomplished musician, an inspirational educator, and a very sweet and good person with a great sense of humor. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. 
My condolences to Gail’s family. 
With sympathy, 
David Heckendorn 

Our Sincerest condolences to Frank, Alex, Ariana and their Families. We lost a dear friend and just cannot imagine a world without her.  Our Family was lucky to know this amazing and talented lady. Rest in Peace 

The Stoller Family 

I am so saddened to hear of Gail’s passing!
My heart is broken. She will forever hold a special place in my heart. She was a beautiful person and I thank her everyday for developing my love of the cello. 
Sending love and condolences to her family and friends. May she continue to make beautiful music in the afterlife and her memory be eternal. 
With sympathy,
Lougene Kennedy



OBITUARY

Gail Rinaudo

May 9, 1950 – February 13, 2023

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