Donald Sorel, 62

Pomona, NY

“Everyone joked that we were still teenagers in love,” says Terri Sorel of her husband, Donald, who died April 7.

The two met in a Nyack HS chorus when Terri was in ninth grade and Donald in 10th, staying together when he attended Columbia and she studied at Barnard. Even in his final days, Donald sprinkled endearments and nicknames, like “munchkin,” into voicemails for Terri.

“We were just so alive with each other,” says Terri, who had two sons with Donald. They also took one of their son’s friends under their wing.

Donald taught for 38 years at Manhattan’s all-boys Collegiate School, where he founded and developed a conservatory program. Every day, Sorel commuted two hours each way from Rockland County to the city — and woke up at 4 every morning to give piano lessons before school. He held even more piano lessons after school. His accomplishments included beginning Collegiate’s orchestra, as well as starting what is now a tradition: Every three years, students perform at Carnegie Hall.

More than 400 messages from current and former students have poured in for Terri since Donald’s death. Beyond his musical influence — one former pupil mentions he’s now a professional musician in Los Angeles, while another says he became a producer — well-wishers recalled his warmth. “He taught me so much about joy and how to be a better person,” one wrote.

Together, Donald and Terri performed at church Masses at

St. Margaret in Pearl River for

30 years, with Terri singing and acting as the music director, and Donald playing the organ.

“We got along so well, even working together,” says Terri. “And it’s funny because I became his boss [at church].”

His signature smile made everyone feel at ease.

“That was Don,” says Terri.

“That was who he was.”