Robert Boyer Meyer, 76, of Ocean City, NJ passed away in the early morning of Tuesday, March 15, 2016, “the ides of March.”   He was a professional musician, one of the “last of a dying breed” of classical artists.

Born on May 5, 1939 to Anna Jane (Boyer) and Ralph Edward Meyer, Bob grew up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with three adoring older sisters. He graduated from Central Dauphin High School in 1957 and Lebanon Valley College in 1961, and lived in Manhattan for many years before settling in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ to raise his family.

Bob played 14 instruments professionally, but focused his craft on the alto saxophone.  In 1961, he was invited by Nadia Boulanger to attend the Fontainebleau Conservatory of Music in Paris, after which Madame Boulanger was so impressed that she offered him the chance to audition for a spot at the Conservatoire de Paris, and Bob became the first American to ever be admitted as a full time student to the Conservatory.  He studied under Marcel Mule, and upon returning to the states, continued his graduate work at the Juilliard School in New York City.

Bob also shared his talent in his religious life, serving as choir director at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Point Pleasant and later First Lutheran Church in Stewartsville.

Bob knew the answer to every trivia question or crossword puzzle, and had a witty pun or anecdote for every situation. Bob was not one to “toot his own horn.” The humble, frugal way he lived his life taught his children and grandchildren much about what makes a person successful.

Bob is survived by his three children, Robert Wesley Meyer and his wife Tracy of Egg Harbor Twp, Carolyn Jo Meyer and her husband David Kacmarsky of Point Pleasant, and Andrew Robert Meyer and his wife Christy of Brick; five grandchildren, Radek, Dylan, Evan, Preston, and Summer Jo; his nieces Suzanne, Cheryl, Cindi and nephew Bradley;  and his “big sister”  and confidante Peggy Grundon of Harrisburg. He also leaves behind life-long friends and church family members.

Bob joins a boisterous game of pinnacle already in progress.  He was predeceased by his parents and by his sisters Audrey Reed and Pauline Wilson, who most likely greeted him with a tall glass of iced tea and a bowl of pretzels before dealing the next round.

Bob would call his children daily, letting them know he was “just checkin’ in.” The family appreciates the warm thoughts and condolences of friends who have “checked in” and brought comfort during this sad time.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 20, 2016 at 1:00pm at First Lutheran Church in Stewartsville, NJ, officiated by Pastor John Kleist.  There will also be a service in Harrisburg at a later date, after which Bob will be placed to rest beside his mother and father.