Sammy Boyd
By ELLEN CARROLL and ED SALVAS
Sammy Boyd, who was larger than life with his signature mane of white hair and dazzling smile, was a successful promoter, real estate agent, husband, father and friend. He died Aug. 3. at age 75.
The man who had a passion for music was remembered this week as a one in a million, a mentor and a man who was dedicated to his family, friends and the community.
Travis Newarski, broker of record at the Conover Agency, who worked with Boyd for 15 years, said there was no better deal maker in town.
“He had connections, everybody knew him,” he said. “He was a mentor to me since I was 22 years old, and was respected in the real estate community. Nothing intimidated Boyd. He was bigger than life.”
Newarski and Boyd loved “talking pizza.” Newarski said Boyd was a big part of the deal to bring Maruca’s Tomato Pies to the Asbury Park boardwalk.
Judi Yaccarino, who worked with Boyd for the last 12 years, said he was “without a doubt the greatest boss anyone could ask for and I was lucky enough to also call him my dearest friend.”
She said working with Boyd, of Allenhurst, was an honor.
“When I first started working with him, we made a deal for a base income that he said he would pay whether we had shows or not,” she said. “During Superstorm Sandy, Sammy showed up at my house with my pay. I pointed out that not only don’t we have work but we physically can’t work – he said that wasn’t the deal he made with me and I need it to take care of my kids. He was just that kind of guy. I don’t know what my next job will be but I know that I will take the skills Sammy taught me and succeed.”
She said he will be remembered for his smile “that lit up a room, the way he made us laugh, his dedication to his family, friends and the community. If we could all learn one lesson from Sammy it would be to enjoy each day as much as he did.”
Yaccarino has already nominated Boyd to be an Asbury Angel for the 2023 induction.
Asbury Park Mayor John Moor recalled meeting Boyd in the 1980s.
“Always friendly, always smiling. No one said an unkind word about him,” Moor said.
The loss of Sammy Boyd is especially hard for Garrett Giberson, founder of the Annual Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Giberson said Boyd was vice president of the Parade Committee which will be at work soon on the 9th annual parade in 2023.
He was the talent buyer for the parade, Giberson said, and recalled contacting Boyd about the parade.
“I told him I’m starting a St. Patrick’s Day Parade and you are my vice president. And he said OK,” he said.
Giberson and Boyd had a standing lunch date for many years at various restaurants around Asbury Park.
“He was one in a million” Giberson said.
Boyd was honored by the Asbury Park music community as well as The Saint nightclub receiving the Living Legend award. He also received The Spirit Of Asbury Park award presented by the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce during a Carousel Award dinner for his continuous dedication to the residents.
Over the years he produced and promoted such entertainers as Darlene Love, Tony Bennett, Liza Minelli, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Chicago, and the Happy Together Tour along with promoter Tony Pallagrosi.
Shortly after he started a new career as a real estate agent on the Jersey Shore. Joining the John C. Conover Agency, he rose to the position of the number 1 real estate agent in Asbury Park, helping to generate both new businesses and renewed interest in the community. He has remained one of the top three ever since. He also took on the role of mentor to many new agents helping them establish their careers in real estate.
He is survived by his wife, Eileen, sons Salvatore and Sammy, daughter-in-law Laura and grand-daughter Madeleine. A Mass of Christian burial is scheduled for Sat., Aug. 13 at 10:30 a.m at St. Mary’s Church in Deal.
A celebration of life event will take place this fall. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to Fulfill NJ or a local charity of your choice. For condolences visit www.buckleyfuneralhome.net
