Birth date: Apr 11, 1967 Death date: May 1, 2021
Gary Salzinger, 54, passed away on May 1, 2021. Beloved brother of Lisa (Patrick) Martel of Solon and the late Michael (Laura Fox) Salzinger of Twinsburg; loving uncle of Laura, Rebecca, Jennifer, David, and Melissa Martel and Ale Read Obituary
I was best friends with Gary as a teenager. I met Gary at Wiley Junior High School in the late 1970's. We would hang out almost every day after school. I remember vividly going to Gary's house which was a short bike ride from my house. We played basketball and formed a basketball team named the Devils 5. I remember Gary was so proud to be able to invite me to his Bar Mitzvah. I was honored to be amongst his "best friends" at the time. In the early 1980's I left University Heights, went to high school and then lived most of my adult life in New York until I moved to California and outside of the US. I lost touch with Gary for many years until we found each other on Facebook some 5-6 years ago. I never had met Gary again until last August. For some reason (I know now why) ,I felt a strong urge to see Gary on my last visit to Ohio. I was determined and so was he. We both drove about 2-3 hours downstate to meet up with another friend, Howard Blecher from that same era. We talked basically all afternoon about our lives and old times. I could believe how many details that I had forgotten, that Gary remembered. I was blown away by his memory. We were planning to get together soon on my next visit to the Cleveland area. I am in great shock and I cannot believe he is gone. I watched the streaming from the temple service and I learned so much about Gary and his life for the 40 years that I hadn't seen him. I'm not surprised how much he was loved by so many people. RIP my friend. I won't forget you. Here is a pic from our last meeting in August of 2020.
Gary was a fellow 'Big' in the Jewish Big Brothers / Big Sisters Association. He always came up to me and we chatted about sports and other things at the events that we both attended. He was very kind......... and for all of us in the JBBBSA, he will be missed very much.
Rick Fishman
I have many fond memories of Gary when we attended Jewish Single events together many years ago. I remember laughing with him at Hilarities comedy club, miniature golf, board games, dinners, a Cleveland Crunch game and other fun activities. I fondly remember the many impersonations of famous people that he enjoyed making.
Gary was a true mentsch! He always had a smile on his face, was fun to talk to and cared about so many people. I was very impressed about all the chesed he did that Lisa and her family spoke about during the service yesterday such as bringing soup to his friends when they were sick and being a BIG brother to 5 little kids. I was honored to have been friends with him!
Everyone spoke beautifully at the service yesterday and it has inspired me to be a better listener and look out for the underdog just like he always did!
May Lisa and her family be comforted by the memories of all the good he did in this world. He will truly be missed!
Lisa and Pat, we want to express our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Michael and I often crossed paths with Gary as we walked in the neighborhood, or at the community center, and Gary always had such a warm greeting, most recently just a few days before his passing. Our son and Gary share the same birthdate. This year Gary took special care to wish our son a happy birthday on Facebook with the comment "kind of neat that we share the same birthday." I loved Lisa's story about his birthday with your family. Gary was a very special person and he will be greatly missed.
Laura & Michael Jaffe
We met Gary at a mutual friend’s house initially, but then became closer when he worked with the Cleveland Crunch. As season ticket holders, we saw him at every game. He was always welcoming, as well as a walking encyclopedia of player biographies and stats. He was so kind to my children, assisting them in getting autographs from their favorite players & letting them know he was there to help. We will miss his smile & caring personality. He was truly without guile and always modeled chesed. We will miss him, but treasure the memories of a true mensch. BDE
I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Am so happy I was able to meet and spend time with him a few years ago. He truly was a gentleman and so, so kind. While I’m so sorry for those he left behind, I find peace knowing he is with his brother, parents, and extended family that passed before him. Till we meet again, Gary!
To Gary's Family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I am so sad and heartbroken learning of Gary's tragic passing. I had the pleasure of working with him and supervised several of his matches during my years at JBBBSA. Gary was a very unique Big. He was particularly wonderful with our younger children. I remember he used to keep his board games including his connect four in the trunk of his car ....you never know when there was time for a game! He looked for activiites that would be helpful in developing skills and critical thinking in his Littles. Not only was he a wonderful Big Brother he was one of my right handed people on the Group Outing Committee. He helped to plan and execute outings for the Bigs and Littles that brought so much pleasure and helped to build connection between other matches. No task was too big or too small. He was generous, kind, fun loving, and so giving to his Littles, their families and his fellow Bigs. I know he will be missed by many. He made the world a better place and left us way too soon. May the love and support of family and friends provide comfort to you.
Elaine Best
