"Oh, Nicky, We Hardly Knew Thee."

 This entry is going to take a little time. The research is in full force. The objective: Validate the "urban legend" that is growing, or simply tell the rest of the story, which is absolutely extraordinary.

 This is Joe C. writing for himself about one ... Nicholas Melito, aka, Nicky Arnrold. So why the two names?

Read below about my Belleville High School classmate, Nicholas Arnold Melito, 1965, and you'll learn much.

I've talk about Nicky's life, at least as I remembered it, as a conclusion to just about every speech, seminar, lecture, etc. I've given on Leadership, Management, and Performance over the last 13 years. And, as some of you know, I fictionalized my old friend in Bad News on the Doorstep, my fictional memoir about growing up in Jersey in the late fifties. As the research on Nicky's short life continues, it appears once again, the true story is a better one than the fiction.

IMDB (Internet Movie Data Base) has much on Nick. Just search "Nick Arnold IMBD" and on the second page you'll find the IMDB information.

Nick Arnold Melito

... and now heartfelt recollections from family friend, Jo Lopez:

Nick Melito

I urge you to include Nick Melito on the Belleville School District Wall of Recognition.

Although I’ve tried –repeatedly – to fit my comments into the Nomination Form, Nick’s life and impact explodes far beyond the confines of the outlined  categories.  (I think he would be pleased to know that he defies definition.)

From the first time that I met Nick in the Spring of 1973, he captured my heart and became my hero.

It’s ironic that Nick was first and foremost a writer, a magician and master of words with the ability to translate all those feelings that are most deeply held in our hearts.  And now, it’s my turn to translate Nick. 

At this moment, more than ever, I understand his gift as I try to convey the importance of Nick’s life and the indelible mark he made on so many.

You need facts to support your nomination; they abound.  Nick’s life was one of “firsts” in countless ways, most of which are recorded in sources of public record.  The information that I offer about Nick’s importance will not be found in any media archives, but can most assuredly be confirmed in the hearts and souls of all he knew, no matter how briefly – and to an entire universe that he never met.

First and foremost, Nick was an enormous creative talent.  Starting from his Belleville childhood, Nick created innovative worlds of humor and drama.  He transformed those early experiences into stories and laughter that will fill our  (and our childrens’ childrens’) hearts and souls forever. We will continue to laugh at the timeless humor of Nick’s “Tonight Show” monologues (from early Carson and late Letterman). We will always identify with classic high school scenes from “Welcome Back, Kotter”, and will forever love Cher’s dead-pan humor.  And on and on and on.  Nick gave joy and laughter to the entire universe of all who have tuned in since 1970.

On a personal level, Nick was always a “giver” - very rarely a taker.  His generosity of spirit to family and friends – and strangers – is legendary.  Most importantly, Nick gave precious time and energy to all he loved, and he relished every moment.  Nick nurtured, coached, taught and loved.  His favorite activity was spending time with young people – talking, walking, debating, communicating.  My kids and their friends learned it all from Nick, and they remind me of that on at least a weekly basis.

Although Nick would protest, it is impossible to recite all that Nick has given to us without mentioning his cerebral palsy.  Nick’s life was focused on honing and sharing his gifts; he refused to dwell on his handicap.  He consistently resisted the idea that he was disadvantaged.  Nonetheless, he was a champion for the disabled and generously gave of his time and talents.  During his last years, Nick devoted all his time and energies toward creating a magazine for physically disabled.  He was ahead of his time, as always.

Nick broke the mould; but he set a standard for us all.

Joe C. again: yes, multiple Emmy nominations for Nick's writing, his shows winning a couple for "Best..."

in assortment of categories, e.g., The Cher Show, Private Benjamin,

Welcome Back Kotter, etc.; then winning Golden Globe and People's

Choice Awards, too.

Some quotes: Popular award-winning fellow writer and 30 year friend, Eric Cohen:

"He was one of a kind, ... with extraordinary parents; ignored his limitations.

When asked how he was doing? His response always: 'Never Better!'"

From his obituary in The Hollywood Reporter: Arnold joined the staff of

"The Tonight Show" at 21, Johnny Carson's youngest writer...

(His) credits as writer and producer include ... "Love at First Sight,"

the first network comedy to feature a disabled person, which Arnold

created and produced.

MORE TO COME.

Comments

[Roberta Bazeley]

I knew Nick. What happened to him?

[joe cervasio]

Roberta,

Nicholas Arnold Melito, award-winning comedy writer and producer, passed away in 1999. On this blog you can find his full life story. Or, you can Google his name for further information. On October 14, 2010 he will be inducted posthumously on the Belleville (NJ) Wall of Recognition which honors those from the Belleville School District who have impacted the world after their time in Belleville.
Thanks for visiting our blog,

Joe Cervasio

[how to be a ski instructor]

Hi Joe! this is David, very fond of seeing this blog and I am very happy of reading this blog it's really interesting blog nice to visit this blog...:)