Bill Bratton: “Neal was my advisor. He was my confidant. He was my friend. I shall really miss him.”

Charles Gargano: “Neal was a man of courage. I spoke to him during his final days and through his illness, to offer him anything I could. During that conversation I had the opportunity to truly witness the extent of his courage. He dealt with his illness with the bravery and openness that embodied his entire life. He was an irreplaceable man with a unique wit and style. I’ll miss Neal as will his family, friends, and all his readers.”

With his beloved wife Tolly

Rikki Klieman: “Neal had a brilliant mind, a quick wit and a generous spirit. He loved political intrigue and even used his unique column to affect social change. His unwavering support of his friends is a gift I shall always cherish. How lucky I am that he touched my life.”

David Granoff: “After 20 years as a publicist in New York, one would think it wouldn’t be such a thrill anymore to get calls from the big columnists, but for me it still is. I’m going to miss hearing Neal’s voice on the other end of the line. He’d say (returning your call) always very casually, ‘Hi, its Neal. Look I’m going to pass,’ or better yet —’David, I like this, I’ll use this in the column in the next day or so—and thanks!” And he always did!”

Denise Rich: “Neal was one of the kindest, most honorable and fair journalists, the kind you rarely come across. I felt that we shared a commitment to fight cancer—we had that in common.”