Birth date: Sep 16, 1957 Death date: Sep 10, 2018
Robert was born September 16, 1957 in Philadelphia, PA, the third of 4 children in a musical and artistic family. After seven years in Massachusetts, Robert’s family moved to Livingston NJ, where he graduated from Livingston High Read Obituary
Our family lived across the street from my 5th grade on so I got to grow up with Rob. I think he liked our piano better than his so he was always over playing to the pleasure of anyone home. As everyone else said he was a kind and giving guy I went off to Michigan and never really got to see him again which I was always upset about and always have missed his company. We are all better for having known him.
Robert Pollack and Ricky Kerner, Terry Schwartz, Marilyn Lipton and I formed a vocal band called Amber in 1972. Robert and Ricky played the piano and created the arrangements. We performed for LHS talent shows and Music Under The Stars. I was very insecure, but Robert and Ricky gave me the vocal coaching and confidence I needed to perform in public. This experience was the best time I had in LHS. Robert was a gifted musician, performer and a wonderful human❤️❤️❤️
I have been thinking about him since the passing of Lenny Bornstein. I truly wanted to reach out to him so I just googled his name hoping I could find him on Facebook. Little did I know his obituary would come up first. Robert and I played for Lenny Bornstein Orchestras in the late 70s and early 80s. We even formed a band called "Beggar's Menu" a really tight RnR band. He was truly a talent all by himself. But I was not expecting this. I was hoping to surprise him one day at his job at Apple. The message for me is pick up the phone and reach out to someone you haven't spoken to in along time. But this one hurts. You and my brother must be doing duos now with Lenny booking the gigs. Gotta go now...
Robert was a true friend and a person who you could count on. He never judged. He listened. He provided insight, wisdom, humor, and hope. His incredible talent was a true gift. If I ever needed a hug, a friend, or an ear, Robert was there. Thank you, Rob. Thank you for making a difference in my life. <3
I was so saddened to hear of the passing of this beautiful and talented human being. He was a person who I was lucky enough to perform with in several high school plays, including A Miracle Worker, Music Man and Annie Get Your Gun. I have wonderful memories of Robert off stage too. When we would get together at fellow thespians' homes Robert would play the piano effortlessly- usually Elton John tunes, and we would sing our hearts out. I can still picture him sitting in front of the piano playing those tunes and belting out his magnificent voice. I even have thoughts of him to this day when I see my own son sitting down at the piano, singing and playing chords. I can only dream that one day play he would play and sing as well as Robert did!! And Robert was lovable too, a great hugger with a terrific sense of humor. He was a gem of a person and will be sorely missed. I send my deepest condolences to his family, including his brother, Michael and sister, Amy who I was also so lucky to know. May his memory be a blessing.
Lovingly, Felicia Bendit Kramarz, LHS class of 1974.
Robert was a shining star who brought light and laughter wherever he went. I remember him from his wonderful performances at Livingston HIgh School where I was lucky enough to share the stage with him in musicals and in The MIracle Worker where he played my father Captain Keller He was always so kind and caring and made me feel welcome and valued. He was one of a kind whose legacy is love. I am so honored to have known him for at least a short time of his life.
Sending my sincere condolences to Rob’s family. I loved Rob, like a brother. He was a good, generous and sweet pal and colleague for more than 20 years. For some reason, blurry in my memory now, he sweetly nicknamed me “Mahhhh-gret” in a dry, droll English accent. He LOVED to drive my sporty Mazda, so whenever we played together, I let him take the wheel, which he adored. (Ironically, he ended up living on the same street in Fort Lee, NJ where I grew up.) His great humor and silly sensibility got us through many performances together. He was an enormous talent. I considered myself fortunate to have his great accompaniment to my vocals. He was helpful and willing to go the extra mile with his performances, always impressing the crowds. His intelligence, talent and simple being will be sorely missed. I treasure my colorful memories of Rob, my brother from another mother. -Donna Harris ;-)
( I would be at his remembrance but I’m out of the country. I will be there in spirit.)
Bob and I started our acting careers together WAY back in 3rd Grade at Riker Hill Elementary School. As I recall, I was a Mouse and had no lines, just nibbled some cheese. Bob was the Cat and had all the lines. Later, of course, we worked together on all the HS musicals and You Can't Take It With You. I still remember a cast party at my house where he spotted my parents' beautiful grand piano and got all excited. He played Elton John all evening. Rest in peace, dear old friend.
To Robert's family - I send you first my deepest sympathy in loosing your beloved brother. I have the fondest memories of sharing many years with Robert in Jr. High and LHS. All the plays we did together and the music we playing in the music room every day during lunch period. but most of all- being apart of a great singing group that he formed- "AMBER" - we were the go to opening for all the assembly programs and concerts and jams...Robert on piano, singers Wendy Stout, Mary Ellen Silk, and myself. I still have the tapes! You were one in a million and now you are truly among the "STARS". God Bless and Godspeed.
Cathie Squillaro McDaniel
