Tom Dreesen RIP

Tom Dreesen has passed. Back when the DC-8s ruled the skies, I boarded a flight from Chicago to Los Angeles and found myself seated next to Tom Dreesen. What started as a chance meeting turned into one of those unforgettable conversations that only happen once in a lifetime. We talked about Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, life on the road, and a few private stories that never made it into the headlines. I told Tom about my little comedy club in Belmont Shore, "The Comic Strip," he said he'd stop by someday. Most people make promises, Tom didn't. He showed up. Over the years, I had the pleasure of seeing him many times, including those classic nights when he opened for Sinatra. Watching him command a room with effortless timing and genuine warmth was something special. Talented, loyal, approachable, and always gracious. In an industry filled with larger-than-life personalities, Tom Dreesen stood out because he never forgot how to be real. Those were remarkable days, and the memories remain priceless.