PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Hundreds of people showed up to Rittenhouse Square on Sunday, during “Pierre Standard Time” to honor the memory of the radio icon Pierre Robert, including those who worked most closely with him at WMMR.<\/p>\n
“The outpouring of everything since he passed has been really, really overwhelming. We knew he was larger than life but I don’t think we really had – everybody lived with it as a constant in their lives and when it goes away, it all comes to the surface for everybody,” Chuck Damico, the program director for Robert’s show, said.<\/p>\n
It’s fitting that the celebration of life for Robert was held in Rittenhouse Square. Not only where the original WMMR studios was on 19th and Walnut, but also Robert’s favorite spot in the city.<\/p>\n
One of his final posts on social media was a photo of him reading a book and sipping a coffee in the square; he called it “pretty close to perfection.” Today, that bench became a makeshift memorial. People left flowers and candles, and even recreated the photo holding cups of coffee and holding a copy of the book he was reading.<\/p>\n
“If this had to happen I’m glad he did some of his favorite things before he left the planet,” Kevin Gunn, a former producer for Robert’s show, said.<\/p>\n
“Who could replace him? He was in Philly such a long time. Everybody – even if you weren’t friends with him, you feel like you lost your friend,” friend Susan Crisci said.<\/p>\n
She was part of the group who spent Pierre’s last weekend with him – watching his favorite band, the Hooters, perform.<\/p>\n
“We had so much fun. Pierre was up front with us dancing, as he always does at a Hooters show just rocking out,” Lisa Klevence said.<\/p>\n
“One of the last words he said to me as I was passing him were, thanks for letting me come down and dance with you. And I said Pierre, my spot is your spot,” Sam Fulginiti recalled.<\/p>\n
“He’s gonna be missed so much,” Lisa DiStefano said through tears. “He was such a good person. He was a friend. We started out just seeing him everywhere but we became friends. I’m so grateful we had this weekend together.”<\/p>\n
Those who knew him well hope he’s remembered not just for his warm voice or his trademark “greetings citizens” line, but for his kindness.<\/p>\n
“I’m sure Pierre would be thrilled if people just treated each other better in his name,” former producer Kevin Gunn said.<\/p>\n
“If you can, be a little more like Pierre. Be kind and embrace everybody,” Bernie Treacy said.<\/p>\n
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