"Never Too Late"

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Meeting Rich

Rich Reads from his book

About the Filmmaker

Meeting Rich Rinaldo

by Heather Bridges

“AS LONG AS YOU’RE STILL BREATHING, you can do a lot of things,” said 72-year-old veteran Rich Rinaldo, letting out a boyish chuckle that betrays innate youthfulness.

A lifelong learner at CNU, Rinaldo is a lively personality on campus. Bald head standing out in the sea of young people, you can spot him in class, where frequent comments reveal a love of learning. Some days, he wears a navy blue track suit, exposing another of Rinaldo’s pursuits—track and field. Whether learning, competing, or even promoting his self-published book about growing up in Little Italy, Rich is always on the move.

“…One of the things that I’ve taken up as a motto…in my later years,” Rich said, in his New York accent, “It’s never too late to become what you might have been.”

WHAT IS AGE BUT A NUMBER, A TICK OF TIME? Too often does anxiety about passing time overshadow the appreciation of life.

With distinctive energy, Rich shakes life free from time’s grasp and appreciates everything it has to offer. His passion for life shines through his many endeavors. Constantly learning, striving, and enjoying, Rich’s attitude is truly inspiring.

This semester, I expected to learn about documentary filmmaking, trailing a subject in hopes of a good grade. Little did I realize my subject would become teacher, and I would learn lessons more valuable than any grade can measure.

Rich is the type of person who makes you stop counting the years—the rare individual who helps you appreciate life in its beautiful fullness. For life should not be limited by a number. As Rich said, it is never too late. ◊

Meatballs & Stickball (excerpts and a reading):

“I think commemoration is important…to preserve the past—not to get stuck in the past—but if you don’t remember your past, you’re not able to live fully in the present and plan for the future,” said Richard Rinaldo.

from Meatballs & Stickball:

Growing up in “The Neighborhood” Little Italy is a book compiled, edited, and published by Rinaldo. A collection of personal writings as well as pieces from various contributors, the book commemorates the unique culture of the neighborhood in which Rich grew up.

“Most came from Southern Italy from 1900-1914. There were some 4 million. Many stayed here in Little Italy. And it became ‘The Neighborhood,’ from Bleecker St. on the north to Canal St. on the south, Lafayette St. on the west to the Bowery on the east,” reads the excerpt on the book’s back cover. “Most had no money, no education, and no special skills. But they had their families and friends, their church, their wits, and a fierce determination to thrive. They did.”

Listen to Rich reminisce as he reads excerpts from the book:

Stories exist all around us—all we have to do is notice them. Heather Bridges aspires to be a journalist because of her love of stories and the belief that each person holds a beautiful story. A sophomore majoring in Communication Studies with a minor in journalism, Heather is a part of the Leadership and Honors programs and also participates in Habitat for Humanity, WCNU, radio and the Campus Activities Board. Other interests include music, photography, and traveling. As Christopher McCandless said, “The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences,” and Heather desires to live her life in such a way.

Reflection about the documentary project

What is age but a number, a tick of time? Too often does anxiety about passing time overshadow the appreciation of life.

With distinctive energy, Rich shakes life free from time’s grasp and appreciates everything it has to offer. His passion for life shines through his many endeavors. Constantly learning, striving, and enjoying, Rich’s attitude is truly inspiring.

This semester, I expected to learn about documentary filmmaking, trailing a subject in hopes of a good grade. Little did I realize my subject would become teacher, and I would learn lessons more valuable than any grade can measure.

Rich is the type of person who makes you stop counting the years—the rare individual who helps you appreciate life in its beautiful fullness. For life should not be limited by a number. As Rich said, it is never too late.

"Never Too Late"

films by Heather Bridges

“As long as you’re still breathing, you can do a lot of things,” said 72-year-old veteran Rich Rinaldo, letting out a boyish chuckle that betrays innate youthfulness.