Rusty:
"look at Jack Lords hair NOW."
l'shalom
mike mantel

I send Alison and Nat, and all of Rusty's loved ones, my deepest condolences. I hope it eases the pain of your loss somewhat, to have seen for so long now, the remarkable size of Rusty's world. He was loved by so many people. Like our own George Bailey. Maybe in the years before Rusty became ill that could have been a bit of a challenge, or maybe drove you a little nuts at home. I mean, how many people does one man have time to chat with, joke with, show new stuff to, play the latest song, e-mail, call back, or work with on a project? In Rusty's case, there just weren't any limits to his capacity for friends. And in these last two years, I think it became dazzlingly clear that those he spent time with, whether a lot or a little, whether recently or from times past, treasured him for that. It's really rare.


No one I've known was as endlessly creative and joyful in the work he loved to do, even with all the frustrations of a life in show business. We talked many times leaving auditions over the years. But there was always something cooking with him, something else he was working on that excited him, something else that was possible.


Rusty seemed constantly delighted by the mere fact of being alive. That is amazing to be around, that kind of spirit. And people came to be near it right to the end of his time with us. It made us feel better to be near him. It always did for me.

He was a fountain of humor and music that never ran dry. I will never forget him.

I only knew Rusty for a few weeks in August 1975 in Ireland. Our eldest daughter Rhea had just been born, prematurely, and not without considerable trauma. As it happened Rusty was to visit just two days after this, and I was to meet him in the foyer of Vickery's hotel in Bantry, County Cork. Hitching west, he had abandoned his suitcase in some woods by the side of a road near the top of a mountain pass. Rusty jumped up on the back of my motorbike, and we set off searching for it. We hit it right off. He helped us move up to Cork City where we could be nearer Rhea in the neo-natal clinic. We had taken rooms up in the Shandon district between two pubs, "The Steeple" and "The Chimes"...we became quickly known as "The Bats in the Belfry". He provided wonderful support and diversion during a very trying time. In the evenings we would nip into one or the other, or both, of the pubs and have a pint (or sometimes two!) of porter, then return to sing away into the night. His spirit has remained indelible in my heart and always will, and I wish to express my condolences to his family and friends.

Alison -
I'm just reading about Rusty's passing and am in a saddened state of shock. All my love and sympathy to you and Nat and your extended family. I'm happy I got to work with and know Rusty a little bit and got to see yours and his "New York Romance" from so long ago. I will always remember those days and am happy his music will be around for lots of people to enjoy for a long time to come.
All my love -
Michael Orland

Rusty brought joy, laughter and hope to us all each time he took the stage. I can't think of a single time with him that wasn't filled with smiles. One could be in the poorest mood known to man and Rusty would you rip from it in a second with a smile. He will live on in all who knew him. He will be remembered for the strength, love and talent he shared with everyone he came in contact with.
To his family I send my deepest condolences and sympathy. Rusty will never be forgotten as he lives on in each of our hearts and souls. You are in my prayers in this most difficult time.
Blessed Be,
Tabetha

Dear Alison and Nat<
My heart was broken when I found out that Rusty passed away It has been a hard time loosing a couple of friends in such a short time. I hope you will find the strength at one time to sit down and read these messages, and to see how we all are saddened.

It is hard to think of what to say, but
He will be in everyones memory. I feel
that I am honored to have known him and appereciate the support he has given, with you to many charities, giving precious time and music.

Ironically I was taking some photos out of a box and sorting through stuff and pulled out my Cabaret on the Record pictures to use for Stan Martin who hosted it, who just passed sway, and yesterday, came across a picture of you, Rusty and John Herrara up in the dressing room of the Triad, it was Monday that I came across the photo,

Please be strong, and know that our thoughts are with you both, Maryann Lopinto

As I try to make sense of this terrible news, I am struck by how many lives Rusty touched, and how many lives touched his. Could anyone ask for a better legacy? I am comforted by the knowledge that somewhere tonight Rusty is sitting at a piano, bringing joy to another packed house.

Rusty,
From the time I you at the Bier Stube in Sun Valley in the summer of '78, and in all the time I knew you, I never met a more throughly decent and giving human being--and with such monstrous talent. Allison, we barely know each other,but Maria and 7-year-old Will and I send love; and Nat, I've never met you, but I hope you love baseball as much as your dad does, and we can meet and go to a game someday.

Rusty, thank you for all you ARE.

dearest alison:
it only took the few minutes i spent with rusty to see what joy he spreads to everyone who crosses his path. watching the two of you together just for an afternoon taught me so much about love, and i treasure that memory. all my thoughts and prayers go out to you and nat.

with love,
deborah

I've been walking around in a daze, deeply grieved to hear this news. Rusty was one of the funniest, warmest, and most talented people it has been my good luck to know. His amazing skills were captured at his surprise party where he improvised a brilliant routine, captured on the CD--"Sweet Appreciation." I'll always have fond memories of his delightful piano-playing in the shows, GROUCHO and THE IRISH AND HOW THEY GOT THAT WAY; as well as his scene-stealing bit in the TV studio sequence of HANNAH AND HER SISTERS. Even more important, the look of love and pride--when he was around Nat and Alison--spoke volumes about what a caring family man he was.

I visited him in recent weeks, and he spent the time reminiscing about favorite memories, such as the first time he met Alison. He was audition pianist for a production of PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES when Alison walked in. He was immediately infatuated and was determined to win her over. They both were cast in that production, which made Rusty's quest much easier.

I first got to know Rusty, shortly after he and Alison had married in 1985. At Thanksgiving time, realizing I was in a depressed state after the closing of a show, they invited me to join them for their holiday dinner at home. Rusty may have been Irish, but he and Alison sure made that dinner a haymish mitzvah for me.

Take care, Rusty. The angels are being richly entertained tonight.