Mario Cuomo: “Neal would have gotten a kick out of the fact that he brought Al D’Amato and Mario Cuomo together side by side at his funeral. He chronicled our victories, every failure, lost bets, birthdays, breakups and breakdowns—and we adored him.”

Al D’Amato: “Neal had the ability to write a story that might not portray you in the best of light, because of what you might have been doing, but there was always his sensitivity, and it was never mean-spirited. He was also a man of his word.”

At the Bridgehampton Polo Club

Carl Spielvogel: “Neal had a nose for news as cultivated as a pedigreed bloodhound. He could follow an obscure lead from fifteen divergent sources and break a lively story. He was a liberal in philosophy, a cheerleader for the underdog, and an impatient piercer of pretension.”

Ann Downey: “Neal was the best ... brilliant, kind, strong, caring, smart, lovable, fun, great style. I shall miss him every day of my life. I was flattered and proud to be his friend.”

Howard Rubenstein: “I knew Neal personally for years since he started Page Six and we spoke everyday till the last days of his life. He was truly one of the great columnists New York has ever had. He had the insight and connections that were amazing. In his quiet way he knew everybody and everybody liked him—even when he needled someone, they’d say, ‘It’s OK, I deserved it.’ He and I would love to just schmooze about things. I could take him into my confidence and know it would be respected. I remember every time George Steinbrenner would be criticized, Neal would run to his defense. He will be missed both on a personal and professional level.”

Marty Richards: “Neal was a leprechaun that stood at the end of the rainbow right at the pot of the gold—and would be more than willing to share it with you. To know him as a friend was truly a gift. He stood by every word he ever said and was always there when needed. He was a true gentleman and will be missed terribly.”