Personally speaking with Frank Rinaudo

What keeps you here?
The people! I’ve lived in New Paltz since 1952, was a graduate of the college, and while I love this town, the people of Esopus are so welcoming, kind…would do anything to help each other. I love that.

What would you change?
I’d love to change my age — go back 20 or 30 years ago!

What keeps you here?
The people. I love New Paltz; I was a village trustee and the president of the Rod & Gun Club there. But I feel so at home with the people of Esopus. They’re just real and honest and caring.

Where would we find you on Sunday mornings?
St. Joseph’s Church in New Paltz, and after that, in my garden!

What is your favorite virtue?
Having pride in what you do. I don’t care what you do, but I admire pride and conviction that you’re doing the very best you can. That’s honesty, and after pride and honesty, all virtues follow.

Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here?
Father Gregory of the Sacred Heart Church. Our driveways border each other, and this man is so spiritual, yet so down-to-Earth. We tease each other every day, and I tell him that my garden is going to be better than his garden and he’d better spray the holy water on his crop if he wants to keep up!

What qualities do you admire most in others?
Honesty, drive and determination.

What is your idea of happiness?
Being content, satisfied with what you’ve accomplished, the joys you’ve had, the laughs, the successes, and never trying to measure up to someone else. Yes, I could have been a doctor or a lawyer, but my life has been so rich and filled with so many fantastic memories and accomplishments and laughs — I’d never trade it in.

What is your idea of misery?
Living with guilt.

What talent do you wish you had been given?
The gift of singing. I would love to have had the talent to sing the National Anthem on the pitcher’s mound at Yankee Stadium, with everyone applauding and feeling that beautiful patriotism.

What is your main fault?
I have none!

For which fault do you have the most tolerance?
If someone is new at something and they don’t understand it, or don’t get the directions and mess up, I’m fine with that, as long as they’re trying. That’s all of us! We try and fail and learn.

What is your favorite motto?
“Speak softly and carry a big stick.”

If you could create your own superhero, what would his name be and why?
John Lincoln! Because these are two men who believed in and shaped the United States of America, and I couldn’t admire anyone more than John Adams and Abraham Lincoln for their leadership, guidance and decisions that helped our nation move forward.