Gary ISAACSON Obituary

ISAACSON, Gary A. Age 68, passed away unexpectedly on July 1, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was born on April 6, 1952, to the late Howard B. Isaacson and Rita (Katz) Isaacson. Gary graduated from Fairview High School (1970) and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Oberlin College (1974) and his M.B.A. from Indiana University (1976). Gary lived Big, by nature and by design. His adventurous spirit took him on travels far and wide, and his artistic soul captured the world's beauty in images and documented its absurdity in words, including several works of fiction and essays. Gary's exacting eye led him to be a world-class television editor and producer, and his incisive mind found its outlets in marketing, political commentary, philosophy, history and humor. His natural athleticism and competitiveness drew him to football fields, trampolines and diving boards in his younger days, then to batting cages, golf courses and casinos later on. His generous and compassionate heart endeared him to his adoring nieces, nephews and cousins. "Uncle Gary" could always be counted on for an empathetic ear, an inappropriate joke (or excursion) and unwavering love. Gary's loyalty and integrity forged lifelong friendships with so many, none more than DeDe, his beloved wife and partner in all things for 45 years. Together, with their daughter, Mandy, they sojourned through life's greatest joys and sorrows. Beyond all others, Gary's defining quality was humor. Whether filling a room with his booming laughter or employing limitless verbal and physical gymnastics to evoke it in others, Gary lived by the rule to "never cut funny." Until his last breath, he never did. Gary is survived by his mother Rita Isaacson; his wife, Diana (DeDe) Isaacson; and his sister, Lynn (Tom) Fink. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, lifelong friends and countless others whose lives he touched in ways big and small. Gary is preceded in death by his father, Howard Isaacson, and his daughter, Amanda "Mandy" (McConnaughey) Macauley.

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Published by Dayton Daily News on Sep. 13, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary ISAACSON

7 Entries

Caseycook

September 21, 2023

Garywasmydivingteamateandiwassorrythatallthatvitalityisnolongerwithus

Breck Bombach

September 26, 2021

Speechless . I missed out , on music and creative human inventions together ~ with you Gary ~ my Acrobat Hero .

Jaime Miller

September 29, 2020

I have known Gary for my entire life.

We both grew up in Dayton, from well to do and prominent Jewish families, belonging to the same synagogue, Country Club and going to the same high school. We shared many mutual friends, enjoyed each other’s humor and company.

Gary never had a mean word to say about anyone, was always there to help when asked and always respected others by listening to whatever you had to say.

Gary was very bright, gentle, humorous, fun to be around and very easy going. He was gracious with his advice and generous in every way.

Having known Gary for so long and having shared so many wonderful moments together made hearing of his passing very painful for me. I cried a good deal for a friend that I will never get to talk with again.

I treasured his friendship greatly. Gary will be missed by so many!

Pat heffernan

September 24, 2020

We enjoyed Gary and DeDe met them in st Maarten. They stayed across from our unit F9. So sorry to hear of his loss. We hoped to see them both again

Tom Marks

September 15, 2020

Gary was one of my best friends, weeks before his death he invited my wife and I to visit him in Las Vegas. He will be in my heart for the rest of my life. My fondest memory was on a cold day in Dayton passing the football to each other as hard as we could to see if we could catch it. He rarely failed to do so.

Daniel J Bayer

September 14, 2020

DeDe, My heartfelt sympathies. I am an acquaintance from many years ago (guessing 35+ years ago) when Gary was involved as partner in the Dayton "City Club". In fact, I was the CPA who handled the taxes/financials for both the City Club and his "Gallery 333" business in Oregon District. I have such fond memories of both you and Gary. Gary had an infectious enthusiasm for life and it just radiated from him. I enjoyed many Friday evenings after working in the Talbott Tower and stopping in the City Club for a drink or two and enjoying his company. He was always upbeat and a real pleasure to know. I am saddened to hear of his passing.

Loretta and Brad Sowers

September 13, 2020

Dear DeDe and family, There are no words to express your loss. We regret the distance between us and the inability to support you, but know that we hold you in our hearts. With love,

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