This is an immense loss. He was one of a kind, in that he had a deep knowledge and appreciation of the history and mechanics of comedy (he knew all about the old-time guys like Don Rickles and Rodney Dangerfield and had learned from them), he was well-read but could play dumb, he could do impersonations and physical comedy when needed, he was quick-witted but at the same time could do serious interviews, Tom Snyder-like, he could create personas (like the old, grizzled character he pretends to be in his "memoirs"), he could be sentimental and heartfelt but at the same time specialized in dark humor, and he did not give a hoot if he offended you (he was one of the few anti-woke, anti-PC comedians left). His voice and talent were sorely needed in these dark days of comedy where you get applause if you make an easy, hack joke at the expense of Trump but get canceled if you make a funny, clever one at the expense of a protected group or person.
61 is way too young to die when you have so much talent and so much to contribute to the world of comedy.