More Than a Meal

How a Shared Love of Music Forged an Unlikely Friendship  Between a 98-Year-Old and a Meals on Wheels Volunteer 

In celebration of National Volunteer Month this April, Meals on Wheels Rockland is sharing a story that perfectly illustrates how volunteering delivers so  much more than a meal. It’s a story of two men from different generations, a 98-year-old resident  and a dedicated volunteer, brought together by the power of music to form a life-changing  friendship. 

For Meals on Wheels volunteer William Derella, it started as a routine meal delivery and safety check to then-94-year-old George Frost, a Veteran living with his son Tim, in the house he built himself in 1957. But on this particular delivery day, William, a legendary music executive who managed the careers of Fergie, The Black Eyed Peas, Sean Paul, John Legend, and Prince Royce,  noticed George’s collection of Jazz CD’s. A Jazz aficionado himself, William spotted John Pizzarelli’s  “All of Me” CD, pointed to the producer credit, and revealed his own name listed! 

That discovery was the first note in a beautiful multi-year, ongoing friendship. 

What began as brief chats during meal deliveries soon evolved into dedicated weekly music sessions spanning four years (George is now 98). These gatherings became a lifeline, especially for George, who sometimes struggles to find his words. His daughter Judy shares, “Dad has a hard  time getting his words out when speaking, but when singing with William, all the words flow.” This  experience highlights the profound benefits of music for older adults. Music is a powerful tool that  can stimulate cognitive function and unlock memories, allowing individuals to reconnect with their  identity and communicate in ways that words alone cannot. 

During their sessions, William brings his iPad and a portable speaker, and with lyrics in front of  him, George sings loudly and proudly. In addition to sharing insider music industry tidbits about  the songs and artists they listen to, his custom playlists are often themed. They’ve done: “Two for Tuesdays,” “Don’t Worry – Be Happy,” “Young at Heart,” and “Grateful Fridays,” where they jam to  inspirational songs. When one of them has a bad day, they tend to sing songs like “You’ve Got A  Friend,” and “Lovely Day.” Their listening habits include everything from Nat King Cole to Billy Joel.  Laughter is also part of their weekly routine, which William believes is the best medicine, next to singing. 

Their friendship is a testament to the power of human connection. “We’re Bros… He’s like my wise, older brother,” William shares. “He inspires me and I think I’m going to live longer because of  George.” The feeling is mutual. “He’s there when I need him,” says George, “It always brightens up  my day when he comes over.” Their bond shows that volunteering is a deeply reciprocal act; as  William puts it, “We always say age is only a number, it’s very therapeutic what we do.” 

The story of William and George is the heart of the Meals on Wheels mission. This National Volunteer Month, Meals on Wheels invites readers to create their own meaningful connections. Volunteers can combat the loneliness and isolation faced by so many seniors, delivering not just a nutritious meal, but also a vital dose of companionship and joy.