The first time I met him at the BC/EFA benefit in NY, I was bummed to see he was not in the cast lineup for that Sunday show and worried that he would not show up at the Marriott Marquis later because of illness. I had a soft spot for the “Nicky” character since I started watching Jersey Boys and anticipated seeing him onstage and at the benefit. To my pleasant surprise, Robert did show up at the gathering and was his cordial self and played his throat soreness off with sign language and a small note apologizing for his inability to talk. He signed my Jersey Boys book, posed for a photo with Joe Long and shook my hand, thanking me for my support in sign language…..

What a class act, and we’ll definitely miss him! Thanks for the memories Robert!

One moment I’ll never forget was, after exchanging a few e-mails with Bobby, I pick up my phone at work with my monotone, “Good afternoon, Howard Tucker speaking”. The voice on the other end is an upbeat, “Hi Howard. Bobby Spencer!”

I first thought it was someone playing a joke. But even after I realized it was the genuine article, I tried to heed my friend Charles Alexander’s advice, “When you speak to these stars, don’t monopolize the conversation. They want to talk about themselves, not listen to you!” Timidly, after Bobby asked me his question, I asked, “Bobby, may I say a few more things, and then I’ll let you go?” The response was, “Howard, I have a dentist appointment at 4 PM (it was about 2 PM), so speak as long as you want!” And I did take Bobby up on his offer! When would I ever get another call from a Broadway icon?

Bobby most defined himself to me by his answer to my Sept. 14 e-mail wishing him luck and apologizing for not being there in person. His response, “Hey, Howard, this isn’t the end. We’ll stay in touch. Love and peace. Bobby.” Who’s better than that??