Rittenhouse Square to Honor Late Radio Host Pierre Robert

Friends and fans raising funds for memorial bench in Philadelphia park

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:36pm

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph of Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, with the iconic fountain and surrounding trees and benches visible in a hazy, dreamlike composition of warm, muted colors, conceptually representing the serene setting where radio host Pierre Robert often found peace.A memorial bench in Rittenhouse Square will honor the memory of beloved Philadelphia radio host Pierre Robert, who found solace and inspiration in the historic park.Philadelphia Today

The Friends of Rittenhouse Square announced plans to install a memorial bench in Philadelphia's iconic Rittenhouse Square to honor the late radio host Pierre Robert, who hosted on 93.3 WMMR for 44 years before passing away in October at the age of 70. Robert was known to frequent the park, often sipping coffee and reading on the benches while overlooking the city he loved.

Why it matters

The memorial bench will serve as a lasting tribute to Pierre Robert's legacy and deep connection to the Rittenhouse Square community, where he found solace and inspiration. As a beloved radio personality, Robert's bench will become a gathering place for his many fans and admirers to reflect on his impact.

The details

The Friends of Rittenhouse Square are currently fundraising to "adopt a bench" in Robert's honor, with tax-deductible donations accepted on their website. Robert could often be seen perched on a bench in the square, sipping coffee and reading, as he would gaze out over the city from the studio window of the nearby WMMR radio station where he hosted his midday show for decades.

  • Pierre Robert hosted his radio show on 93.3 WMMR for 44 years.
  • Robert passed away in October at the age of 70.

The players

Pierre Robert

A beloved radio host who spent 44 years on the air at 93.3 WMMR in Philadelphia, known for frequenting Rittenhouse Square and connecting with the local community.

Friends of Rittenhouse Square

A non-profit organization that manages and maintains Philadelphia's iconic Rittenhouse Square, now leading the effort to install a memorial bench honoring Pierre Robert.

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What they’re saying

“The historic square was where he often read, reflected, people-watched, and found a sense of calm amid the rhythm of the city he loved.”

— Friends of Rittenhouse Square

“During his midday show, Pierre could often be seen perched on the studio windowsill on the third floor, looking out over Rittenhouse Square as he broadcast to listeners across the region.”

— Friends of Rittenhouse Square

What’s next

Tax-deductible donations can be made in Pierre Robert's name on the Friends of Rittenhouse Square website to fund the memorial bench.

The takeaway

The installation of a memorial bench for Pierre Robert in Rittenhouse Square will serve as a lasting tribute to the beloved radio host's deep connection to the Philadelphia community and the solace he found in the iconic urban park.