Pierre Robert, the celebrated longtime 93.3 WMMR radio DJ, passed away at home yesterday, October 29. His death was announced in a statement by WMMR's parent company, Beasley Media Group. For over 40 years, Robert's warm voice accompanied Philadelphians in the middle of our days; his trademark "Greetings, Citizens" as much a part of our daily routine as brushing our teeth.

A Northern California native, Robert first joined WMMR in 1981 as a clerk in their music archives, then swiftly transitioned to on-air talent. He stayed with the radio station for the remainder of his career and quickly became a fixture in the Philadelphia music scene. In a social media post, Robert was remembered by his friend Jon Bon Jovi as "a real musicologist," "someone who loved musicians. Not just famous ones, or chart toppers. He admired local artists and tomorrow's rising stars."

In an interview leading up to Robert's 2019 induction to the Philadelphia Music Alliance's Walk of Fame, WMMR morning host Steve Morrison referred to Robert as "the heart of 'MMR." Robert focused on creating lasting connections in the city, "building bridges instead of walls," says Preston & Steve Show producer Nick McIlwain in the same video.

Robert created a home in Philadelphia — he rooted for the Eagles, and spent afternoons reading in Rittenhouse Square, which is precisely what he was doing when he made his final Instagram post on Sunday. He was also heavily involved with nonprofits in the city. Charitable organizations like Philabundance posted tributes to Robert on social media on Wednesday. "[His] generosity was unparalleled," Beasley Media Group's official statement reads, "from attending and hosting the AIDS Walk to his on-air support of MANNA's Pie in the Sky fundraiser, along with his active and genuine support of all charitable initiatives of WMMR." They add, "He truly cared about his listeners and the people of Philadelphia."

Robert's death leaves an unfillable void in Philly's music scene. He was 70 years old.