Rosalind-Joel-Obituary

Rosalind Joel

1922 - 2014

Obituary

HICKSVILLE, N.Y. (AP) - The mother of singer-songwriter Billy Joel, who inspired him to write "Rosalinda's Eyes," has died in New York at the age of 92.

Rosalind Nyman Joel died Sunday on Long Island, said Claire Mercuri, a spokeswoman for the award-winning singer.

"Rosalinda's Eyes" from Joel's 1978 album "52nd Street" was a tribute to his mother, who raised him alone after divorcing his father, Howard Joel, in 1957.

The lyrics include the words: "I've got music in my hands; The work is hard to find; But that don't get me down; Rosalinda understands."

Rosalind Joel worked in a clerical capacity for various businesses near her home in Hicksville, Long Island, and supported a number of charities.

Born in Brooklyn to English emigrants, she met her husband in 1942 at a City College musical production and married him three years later. Their son, Billy, was born in 1949. The couple later adopted Judy, the daughter of Rosalind's late sister Muriel.

Billy Joel endowed the Rosalind Joel Scholarship for the Performing Arts at City College in 1986.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations be made to The Little Shelter animal rescue and adoption center in Huntington, Long Island.


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Roz was larger than life. She was a force of nature. She was so generous. Many times I babysat her cat while she was away. She took me on several trips including Old Westbury gardens and paddle boat cruises. She even offered to take me to France but I opted instead to stay with her cat and another friend went with her. She also took a whole bunch of us backstage to one of Billy's concerts at Madison Square Garden. She was an amazing woman and I will miss my friend

Thinking positive thoughts about Roz, a woman I knew who had a huge heart, huge style, huge hopes for her precious, talented son.

God Bless the woman that gave Billy his soul.May she rest in heaven.

It was my privilege to know Roz for several years. We used to take the Sunday brunch paddleboat cruise every year as well as trips to Old Westbury. She even offered to take me to France but l opted to stay and care for her cat Peaches. Roz was larger than life. I loved her.

I had no idea. I now live far away from Huntington Bay. We were friends. I am so sorry I didn't know sooner
. Roz, rest in peace, your children are your legacy to the world.
Roz gave my son tickets to one of Billy's concert for his 25th birthday enabling him to impress his date. It was such a sweet thing to do.
I hope the family realizes that many people thought she was a very special person.
Roz, My friend you are most certainly missed.
Etta Schaeffer
Boca Raton, Florida

I worked with Roz at the NY State office in Hicksville. She brought me home for lunch often. She constantly told anyone and everyone : my son is going to be famous. She was one of the sweetest human beings I ever met. So sad that I never got to keep in touch. Billy, you had the best Mom in the world (next to my mom)!!!! My heart goes out to you.

Roz was my "Aunt Roz" for many years after she moved to California. We went to the Forum to see Billy several times and to countless dinners with her and Joe. We visited her in New York 3 0r 4 times after she moved back there full time. Once we were there for a week and she took us everywhere. Went into the City, to Billy's house and to, what seemed like, every good restaurant in the Huntington. My late husband Dick and I performed as "Dick and Dee Dee" and Roz came to see us when we did...

So sorry to hear of your loss. "Rosalinda's Eyes" has always been one of my favorite songs. May she rest in peace. From one of your many forever fans.