Thinking back about Lou. Cannot believe he died so young. Had memorable times boating, crabbing going to Fire Island by boat. Visiting while Lou was in medical school in Israel. Life is unpredictable.

So saddened to hear of Lou's passing.  We dated a long, long time ago in the early 90s. I remember visiting him in Israel while he attended Sackler School of Medicine. I recall summer days out on his boat in East Islip. Lou was always a special, fun fellow. A cool guy. Rest in peace old buddy. 

Happy Birthday in heaven thing of you so much and missing you and Jojo very much. Xxxx mummy 

Lou was a dear friend, we did our general surgery training together in Staten Island, though I haven’t seen him in years since I moved back to Lebanon. He had always been on my mind, I kept great memories of him.
May his lovely soul Rest In Peace 

A great mentor and dear friend. I was his "burn fellow" for a year at NUMC. He had a great, warm, loving,  and joyful heart. Through his abundant kindness and hospitality he introduced this Texan--far from home--to Long Island. He invited me to his house for gin and tonic, a ride on his boat, to Nathan's for a hot dog, to eat Chinese with his parents. He treated me like family and made my year there one I will never forget. He helped to teach me the "art" of surgery and individualized attention to patients. He left a great mark on my path to becoming a surgeon and burn specialist. He has left us all too soon, and left a hole in our hearts. He loved life, he loved his son, and he loved his work. Will miss you my friend. And I am forever indebted. 

Caesar Ricci, MD

I am devastated & heartbroken to hear of Dr. Riina’s passing. I will live  my life with the regret that he was not on call the day of my horrific accident. I was a patient in the burn unit for a total of approx 18 weeks in 2011. He was the most endearing, warm,  gentle &  kind Dr. I have ever met. He made me feel cared for & somewhat loved in the worst time of my life.  His stories of his volunteering across the globe to teach under privileged countries doctors how to work on burns filled otherwise a very lonely time with fascinating stories. When he worked on me it was with great care & precision. I am truly indebted to him forever. 
I am heartbroken. With love I say RIP to one of the great ones. You will always have this girl thinking about you with the fondest memories 💔💔

forever grateful to you for your care after my fall so many years ago. you'll live for always in our hearts! jami & family

I was very distressed to see this today, well after the passing of Dr Riina. 
Years ago my husband Bill, now also deceased, and I were in a near fatal auto accident. We were hit in the driver's side of our Honda CRV by a drunken driver who was traveling at a speed of 100 miles per hour. By all rights we should have both been killed...God wanted us to spend more time together on this earth. 
Our car rolled several times while skidding along Sunrise Highway and stopped dead just feet from a retaining wall. I was a mess as my hand and knee dragged along the road as we skidded. Bill had a severe concussion. Thank God for Dr. Rinna who was on hospital call that day... He restored the entire back of my right hand. Another surgeon repaired my knee. Thank you again Dr. Riina. I have never forgotten you. You were the best! I hope you and Bill are in heaven discussing medicine which Bill loved to talk about. May God keep you and hold you in his loving arms.

You were a great friend and study partner during med school. You kept us going with your music and great recipes during the hardest days in med school.  You helped us all stay focused during those years.  Thank you, Lou ❤️

To Gloria, his mother, Dylan, his son, as well as his remaining family, patients, co-workers and friends. Know that anyone and everyone who ever met Louis Riina, is mourning with you at his passing.  He was a very giving and loving person and will be missed by all who knew him. I knew him from his residency to his joining LIPSG. His smiles to strangers to his working at ground zero. I will cherish all these memories.  May God Comfort all who mourn this difficult loss at this time.
Peace and Blessings
Barbara A. Siegl


Dr. Riina, we will be forever grateful to you for saving our Ralphie.  Your compassion and love for your patients and their families was truly a testament of your calling. May God grant you the peace and love you showed so many, and may God embrace your family and give them strength during this very difficult time. Rest In Peace. 

I'm very sorry for your loss.
Louis was so giving to his friends , family and his patients.
He will surely be missed by all.
I cherish all the good times I had with him and  I will never forget him.
Love Al DeMo

Dr. Riina,

We are so sorry to hear of your passing, I want you to know how much you touched our lives without you even knowing.  
You cared for our Mother and will never forget how compassionate you were and caring .
We will never forget you.

Suzanne & JoAnn Gaskey


Dr. Riina,

  I owe you my life. My deepest condolences to your family. What an incredible doctor and man the world mourns. Very upset by your passing. Think of you often. Always will...



Dr. Riina
     In this crazy busy world you always took the time to say hello and check in with the guys. We enjoyed your short chats and jabs as they went both ways.  We send our sincere condolences to your family, it's a sad day for all of us. 
You are forever in our hearts and minds........the "phone guys" @ NUMC  (Ron, Marty, Billy and Craig)

Gloria Riina and family. I remember the pride in talking about this son who helped so many people with the reputation as a phenomenal doctor. Your son had spoken with me about his own spiritual journey. May God comfort you and your family on this difficult loss. Chaplain Rabbi Dr Leslie Schotz. May Louis’ memory be for a blessing. 

Lou:

I will never forget 1st time we 'met'.  I was in midst operating on little 4 year old diasbled boys burned heel, and you , ummm, barged in barking 'suggestions' despite us never meeting.  Something clicked, and we had one of our famous debates/discussions, however, little Tony benefitted!  We helped establish finest team of wound/hyperbaric clinicians anywhere, more so being a facility who never said 'no to anyone":  severe injuries or fearful aliens, we all practiced w humanity, compassion and sense of teamful pride.   In humorous recall:  1.  I loved writing you the 'love letter' posing as the weird female doc from Harvard during our Hyperbaric Training.  Donna even mailed it upstate to her sister to mail to NUMC so 'the cover' not blown and zip code thru you off!   Look on your face fearing a stalker?  (Me)?  Priceless!    2.  How everyone of us:  Donna, Keith, Steve, we all loved "Phillip".   3.  How you asked me about fatherhood, and I told you greatest title on Earth?  "Daddy"!  About my love of Springsteen passed to Justin, taking him w me to concerts near n far, creating a bond words cannot convey.  4.  Your ridicule of me n my bag Austin Powers dolls to bring laughter to the kids!!!!   5.  And, Shea Stadium Bruce concert:  tailgating Zorns n wine on tail of my truck when we told 40 NYPD Cadets n their Sgt to "keep walking, left then right foot"  since odds of them ever 'wanting' to be flown into NUMC not likely.  rest in peace Lou.   Be well.  I am now seeking a "Louis H. Riina Medal" be established in Nassau County!  My mission to perpetuate you, your name n your Life.  ALAN J. CANTOR 

Even though I only knew Lou for 12 years we both said we felt like we have known each other our whole lives. I will never forgot all the fun times we had together especially staying up late playing guitar or dancing at amazing concerts.  The time you took Gina and I out to Kismet was a day we will never forget. I am a better man having known you and I will think of you and miss you the rest of my life, especially when I pick up the guitar. You wanted me to play more often and I promise you that I will.  Thank you for everything. You are my brother forever. 
Love,
"Chestnut Bob" & Gina 


Dr.Riina,

My dad was a fellow colleague of yours at NUMC Dr.Cantor. I've heard so many stories of you and how much of a great doctor you were and a great surgeon. I was shocked when I got a message from my dad yesterday  hearing of your passing.  My dad learned a lot about burn care from you. Rest In Peace Dr.Riina . 

Sincely,
Justin Cantor
Son of Alan J. Cantor DPM  Surgeon, Wound Center Burn Center Hyperbaric Medicine NUMC

Retired Nurse (NUMC)

Dr. Riina,
I have worked with you for thirteen years, and it was such a pleasure working with you. 
You will be missed for your love for others, your compassion and your persistence to help others. Nothing was impossible for you. Your words “make it happen” Your protective nature will be missed especially for the children. Your indiscriminatory ways made everyone feel welcome around you. Everyone was the same in your eyes. The way you took pleasure in helping people was uplifting. For you, it was never about the job; it was about the people. I remember the lights in your eyes when you talked about going to Haiti to help those scarred victims to give them new lives, and how water poured out of your eyes when you spoke of the children in Haiti that are being sold. You have lived up to God’s expectation of how we should live our lives by sharing it with others.
                                                                                                                                              Thank You!


You were very professional as a resident you took very good care of your patients. 
You was a dedicated surgeon you will be missed my dear friend.
Yvonne Augustus Retired Nurse Manager NUMC


Dear Lou,
For seven years I was fortunate to work alongside you and Peter caring for children in the burn unit and PICU. We came to learn that both of us were music junkies, especially when it came to the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia.  So my friend as you move on to the next show..., I'll leave you with some words from Jerry. I know you know them well.
Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world
The heart has it's beaches, it's homeland and thoughts of it's own
Wake now, discover that you are the song that the morning brings
But the heart has it's seasons, it's evenings and songs of it's own

You will be forever missed but never forgotten. Peace.

Dear Dr. Riina,
You are my hero. Seven years ago today you saved my life. You gave me respect and dignity when I felt I lost it after my burn accident. You gave me hope when I had none. You listened to my needs and fought for them. Your smile was contagious. You were caring and compassionate to everyone. You loved life, traveling, food and helping others.
Your eyes sparkled when you spoke about your pride and joy-your son. He was your life. I know you will watch over him and guide him always.
You will be remembered by everyone who knew you. May your Soul Rest in Peace. Your left too soon. I will miss you.
Meena

 Hey Lou.  I’m really not sure where to begin. I must have over 1000 memories in my head that involve you. I’m very happy that I was able to spend as much time with you in the last few months as we did. We watched movies,  listened to concerts, played some guitar and sang  a little too. 
 We go as far back as being in second grade together. We were in fourth grade together as well. We were also in seventh grade choir class with Mrs. Margulies. Greg was in that class as well. Boy what we used to do to that poor woman. lol
 
Living in Long Beach now I get to go over the Loop bridge all the time. As a running joke, to this day every time we pass over the bridge I tell my wife and kids that I used to jump off this bridge.   It wasn’t until today though that I told him that it was you waiting for me at the bottom in  your boat to pick me up.    That was probably the same day that I jumped off the back of your boat at about 35 miles an hour.  Great great memory but a very poor choice. 
All the times that all of us would jump off your second story balcony into your pool. That never got old. You have no idea how missed you will be by so many people. You touched so many.   Whether it be with your medical talent or musical talent or just plain old friendship. 
I will miss you forever Lou and I will NEVER forget you.   I guess I’ll See you sometime in the future buddy.
I Love you man.      Mitch 

I was a recipient of your unconditional love, we shared many musical moments and most of all I had the honor of being in your presence. You saved my hands and every time I play it will evoke your spirit. You now possess wings of the purest gold. I will always listen and hear your presence.
Love you Brother 

Lou,

We shared some great times throughout  our years together.  You will be missed.  GOD BLESS and REST in PEACE my friend. 

Dear Lou
You were one of my closest friend growing up.  We had many great times out on the boat (blue bird), Formula, Skiing and camping. I will sure miss you and your weird sense of humor. You were really a special person and will be missed by all the people and lives that you touched. 

Everyone Dr. Riina spoke to he made feel special.  He had that gift that comes along once in a while.    I ran into him at a few concerts and since then we always shared our love of music.   I will miss his smile and his warm personality.   He was truly a wonderful man and all the outpouring of love and support he received and continues to receive is a testament to that.  We love you and miss you.  Rest In Peace.   

Dr Riina
I met you once through my wife Julie who worked with you at NUMC.  You live around the corner in Babylon Village.  One day your dog was loose so we returned him and ended up hanging out at your house for a bit. Great conversation and we ended up bonding about music and were discussing grabbing a limo to Coney Island to see YES. That was 2 years ago. I was so sad to hear you were not well and was looking forward to you returning home and all of us getting out to see some live music. Rest In Peace and God Bless your son and family and all those you have impacted in during your lifetime. 

The redhead  surgeon of plastic surgery in NUMC...calm,cool and collected fun doctor to work with.my only regret was never attending one of your house parties...i wanted you to do my nose once you finifinished your residency...you were always so pleasant ....i have very fond memories of  working with you.rest in peace

Dear Dr. Riina:

I did not know you as well as everyone else in the OR but I enjoyed my chats with you when you went by my office.  One of my favorite stories was that you took your son at a young age to the Grateful Dead Show.  My response to you was "You did what?"  and you casually replied yes I wanted my son to experience good music.

Will miss those talks.

Always,
Eve

This is so surreal. My fondest memory of you was when you would call me every Wednesday to go over op reports. We did more joking than correcting lol.  Thank you for inviting me to your son's 1st birthday party. Your hospitality was amazing! I could talk to you about anything. We also shared a connection with the Stern's as I went to school with their children and your dad was employed by them. You will be truly missed especially walking past you in the halls of NUMC giving me a high five. Continue to rest in peace my buddy! Until we meet again....

I worked with Dr. Riina at the NUMC for many years. We have shared many conversations and he gave good advice to me when I needed it. He was a great man and an inspiration to many, he will be missed. RIP

My condolences to the family

Karen DiTieri (NUMC)

You always made me feel better when I thought the world was crashing around me ..We always talked about our boys cause it seemed they were always going thru the same thing ..You had  always such great advice and even better jokes to make me laugh ...You will truly be missed ...xoxo RIP

Dear Lou,
The things we could talk about would far exceed the 2000 characters allotted here. We've known each other since 2nd grade. You are the most understated cool guy I have ever known. When I'd stay at your house, so many of the things you did and had,  had a "European" flair. My first Milbourne game, the really cool rock tumbler., the first beta max machine! You were the first to spark my interest in Pink Floyd and Procol Harum.  We saw Ian Anderson play all acoustic and Papa John Creach. Your research in middle school told you that combining iodine crystals  and ammonia would make it explosive! We packed it by hand into gel caps in my basement until it blew up in our faces. We had water gun fights in the halls of Grand Avenue; the birth place of the hooey. Whatever sport season it was, we played it and we followed my brother and his friends around to play ball too. 
Look at all you've accomplished. You've touched the lives of so many people. I am sending you and your family messages of love and remembrance for a life well-lived. I will truly miss you.

Gregg Sussman 

OBITUARY

Dr. Louis H. Riina

July 13, 1962 – April 6, 2019

Claude R. Boyd–Spencer Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services