Condolence From: Scott Walters
Condolence: I just saw this after seeing a post on social media.
I am terribly saddened by the loss of my friend Donald. My wife Ellie and I would have pizza at Sorrento's before our respective choir rehearsals. I sang with Donald in the St. Ann's choir as well.
Prayers to the family...
Monday September 27, 2021
Condolence From: Jamie Granata
Condolence: Dear Terri, Michele and all of Don’s family and friends - Although I haven’t seen Don since our Nyack High School days, I will never forget his smile, his kind and gentle manner, as well as his friendliness. From seeing what others have written, it makes me happy to know his musical talents continued to blossom post our days in chorus! He influenced others not only through his music but through his teachings as well. So sorry he left this world too soon. Sending my condolences. Wishing you strength and peace.
Tuesday September 21, 2021
Condolence From: Sharon F Wager
Condolence: I am sorry to hear about the loss of Donald to Coivd-19 in April 2020. I have lots of good memories of Donald. We took the 9A bus from Nyack to New York CIty. He would go to Juliard and I to the American Ballet Theatre School of ballet. The bus ride was about an hour long so we got to know each other well. I was just looking at my yearbook from 1975 and reread his sweet message to me. I took a picture of the yearbook picture. and attached it below. I am so sorry for his early loss of life. Peace be with his family and friends.
Friday September 10, 2021
Condolence From: H Field Kellogg
Condolence: May he rest in peace.
Monday August 24, 2020
Condolence From: Michael Gruters
Condolence: Don Sorel is an intricate part of my memory of collegiate. Twelve years in that institution would have been nearly impossible without the balance of pure life and humanity that he brought, taught and inspired there. I, along with my friends remember Mr. Sorel with adoration. A patient musician, filled by music, and levity. When I heard of his passing I was shocked with sadness, and could not muster a message to collegiate to pay him tribute. Immediately after, I thought of his family, whom I have not met but I'm sure I know by way of Don himself. Such a sincere and selfless person could not be surrounded by a family were they not as sensitive and loving as he was. My whole heart goes out to you all, his sons, his wife, each of his family members. Please know his memory will never fade, and his lessons are well learned, and I will strive to honor the harmony of his being with each song I sing. I last saw Don backstage on a tour of the MET where I was working as a chaperone for the children's chorus. We ran into each other outside the rehearsal room and embraced while the rest of the tour watched a moment of gratitude and glee and a human connection that opera lovers only hope to witness on that stage. Don was that magic, that loving force that washed over his students and people that knew him. I count myself lucky to be among them, and will grieve his passing, and speak his memory with joy and admiration.
Saturday July 25, 2020
Condolence From: Robert B. Grandstaff
Condolence: Dear Terri, Patrick, Michelle & Family, I am thinking of you all with a heavy heart over the loss of Donald. I have many fond childhood memories of your loving family and the special person Donald was. During these present days of anxiety and problems, and so many dealing with loss, I wanted to share what has brought me comfort and security. I am sure many scriptures have comforted you during this time, as they do for me and my family.
Isaiah 33:24 says “ and no resident will say I am sick” Revelation 21:3,4 brings out that “God will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more” Knowing that God through his son Christ Jesus will bring an end to all of mans suffering and his greatest enemy , death. We look forward to these kingdom blessings taking place on the earth in the near future. It is such a great comfort to know that God has this desire and ability. ( John 5:28,29)
I have found so many answers to life’s biggest questions at JW.org
Please visit this website, it is amazing all the information and comforting happy music videos, bible dramas, current event information but bringing us back to a wonderful solid hope for the future. It has provided so much emotional and spiritual support to me, I hope it will for you. I am thinking of you all at this time I send my love, good thoughts and prayers to all of you
From myself and my family.
Love, your friend & Brother
Robert
Paso Robles, CA
Saturday July 25, 2020
Condolence From: Sean Katsuyama
Condolence: It is hard to imagine Collegiate without the seemingly endless warmth and enthusiasm Don brought to work each school day. I feel blessed to have known him and worked under him these past eight years.
Every time he called out a hearty "Hello!" to a teacher in the office, every time I overheard him showing his classes the intricacies of a recorder song or blues progression, every conversation we had on topics weighty or trivial, these things I will remember with a smile. Don had a wonderful way of making people feel valued. I think few people will forget him for that gift.
To his family, I can only imagine the loss, and give my deepest condolences. I will only say that he brought so much joy to so many of us at Collegiate, and we too will miss him dearly.
Friday July 17, 2020
Condolence From: Chuck Olsen
Condolence: Dear Terri,
Thank you so much for your call today. Your courage is moving beyond words. I am devastated by the news and so so very sorry for your loss. Don was a brother to me. We could come into and out of each other’s lives and never skip a beat or miss a note. He remained the most even keeled, generous, happy and loving person one could hope to meet. You were a big reason he was the way he was. Don’s devotion and love for you and your family was beautiful to behold, something remarkable and something to aspire to. I mourn with you.
to Michele and Patrick, I have so many fond memories of you guys, Don and Terri and your Mom and Dad. Your entire family accepted me as I was, you all took me in and taught me so much when I was struggling. I will always be grateful to all of you for the love you shared with me. My deepest condolences and love to all of you.
Saturday May 16, 2020
Condolence From: Bernadette Lavin
Condolence: Terri and family..... what a wonderful, genuine, and loving man. He loved you all as evident by the way he spoke of you. He was a colleague but friend first who would help you personally or professionally. May God test his soul. I’m so sorry about Dons passing but so fortunate to have known him.
Saturday May 16, 2020
Condolence From: Joan Lupo Neuscheler
Condolence: Thinking of the Sorel family during this difficult time. With wonderful childhood memories of the love that filled your home, sending prayers from the Lupo family, Joan, Robert and Charles
Thursday May 14, 2020
