Mr. Pincus was in his 70s when we met. I had already been programming for nearly a decade, but I was still young enough to only just begin realizing that this was, in fact, my profession.
I wrote this letter in 2025, hoping to send a long-overdue message of appreciation. It bounced back. So I’m posting it here—first, for posterity; and second, in the quiet hope that it might somehow carry the positive impact Bob had on me back into the universe.
I wrote this letter in 2025, hoping to send a long-overdue message of appreciation. It bounced back. So I’m posting it here—first, for posterity; and second, in the quiet hope that it might somehow carry the positive impact Bob had on me back into the universe.
Hi Mr. Pincus,
I hope this message finds you well.
Let me give you a brief context to ensure I’m reaching the right person. My name is Erick Galassi, and I hope I’m writing to the same Robert Pincus who, some 20 years ago, worked with me on developing set-top boxes and middleware solutions at a company then called Nextvision.
The reason for my message is simple: gratitude. Back then, I was a 24-year-old learning how to conduct international business from Brazil while eagerly writing software applications. Those days were foundational to my professional journey. I carry many fond memories and proud moments from that time. But as life moved on, I never wrote back. We often assume the best days are still ahead—true, perhaps, for a 24-year-old—but I now realize I took some of it for granted. Let me try to correct that.
First, please allow me to say that I look back on our time together with great admiration—for both the work and for you personally. Though brief, your presence had a lasting impact, not just through your intellect and knowledge, but especially through the human qualities you brought. I still remember the calm, thoughtful cadence of your speech. In my memory, you are inseparable from qualities like wisdom, education, and respect. With the benefit of time, I also realize that in my wildest dreams, I can only hope to remain as active and impactful at the age you were when we met. Leaving a meaningful, positive legacy—something you seemed to do so naturally—is a rare privilege.
Second, I want to share how those days created unique opportunities that I still carry with me. If it weren’t for you, I might never have traveled to the Czech Republic. Even though the project didn’t move forward, I vividly remember staying up late every night in that hotel, building what I would present the next day. It was one of the most formative experiences of my life. Meeting a place and people so rich in history gave me perspective—something I now pass on as I travel with my own family. I also remember showcasing our solution at the Microsoft stand at NAB in Las Vegas. Only recently have I come to understand what an achievement it was.
What I’m trying to say, Bob, is that it was a privilege to meet you and work alongside you. I can only hope you continued on the same path, with the same cadence and joy, and that life has rewarded you with the health and peace to keep sharing your wisdom with the world.
With sincere appreciation,
Erick Galassi