Gerri-Michele Sutyak

Gerri-Michele Sutyak, 55, a world-class musician, gold record recipient, and child prodigy cellist, died June 28, 2020 at her home in Cincinnati, Ohio. Gerri was a graduate of Mannas College. By the time she was twelve years old and again several times later, she was invited to play at Carnegie Hall. Trained in classical music, she attended Juilliard in New York City and played there in many venues.  Later, Gerri broadened her musical interests and performances to rock, pop, folk, jazz, electronic and Reggae.  She was also a music writer, arranger and a featured performer.  She played all over the world with such musicians as Nigel Kennedy, Amy Correa, Johnny Indovina, Sandra Bacall, John Vaughn, Paula Abdul, Tom Petty and many others.  After moving to California, she became involved in film and television.  She even performed on SNL in New York City and many other late night shows. She had a huge soul and embraced everyone.  

Gerri was the daughter of Michael and Geraldine Sutyak, both soloists in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, both now deceased. Her father was Slovakian, thus her last name. She leaves her husband of over 20 years, Timothy Owen Waldrip, also a child performer, actor and singer, and later featured in film and television shows. She also leaves a sister-in-law, Wendy Waldrip Gentile and her family in Houston and New York, and in-laws Ceil Cleveland and Jerry Footlick of North Carolina.  In fact, her last performance was in Durham, North Carolina.  From age 3, Gerri had a cello between her knees that grew larger as she did. She was a life-long performer.

Gathering of family and friends on Friday, July 17, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., at Walker Funeral Home, 2625 Gilbert Ave., Cincinnati (45206).  A memorial service will follow the gathering and will begin at 3:00 p.m.

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Walker Funeral Home, 2625 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati (45206)  is honored to serve the  Sutyak family.  Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.

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