Photo courtesy of Walter J. Zalewski Funeral Home - 44th Street - Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Age 69, of O'Hara Township, and formerly of Saxonburg, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his family and friends, on Sunday, February 28, 2016. Gary was a successful attorney. He has been listed continuously in the Marquis' Who's Who in American Law, Best Lawyers in America, and was a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer, (2004-2014). He was selected by his peers as one of the top 50 lawyers in Pittsburgh, top 50 in Allegheny County and top 100 in Pennsylvania. He was selected as Lawyer of the Year-Family Law in 2012 by the Best Lawyers in America. The PIttsburgh Business Times saluted him as the "toughest divorce attorney in town." Gary was appointed to the 12-member Pennsylvania State Supreme Court Disciplinary Board and served as Vice Chairman and Chairman in 2006-2007. Gary was a talented athlete, a star running back at both Knoch High School and Washington and Jefferson College. Gary then found squash when he should have been attending law school classes. Like every athletics challenge, Gary relentlessly attacked the game of squash. He and his doubles partner, Dave McSorley, went on to be nationally ranked in doubles and captured the Canadian National Veterans Doubles Championship in 1987. Truly one of the proudest moments in his life. Nothing was more important to Gary than his family. He was devoted to his three children, Liza, Jordan and Ben and gave credit to his wife, Jean, of 31 years for transforming him into a mature adult, ultimately ending his hall of fame Shadyside bar career. He is survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. He was a man of great humor, style and wit, whose godfather persona will be missed by all.Family and friends received at the WALTER J. ZALEWSKI FUNERAL HOME, 216 44th Street, Lawrenceville, on Wednesday 6-9 p.m. and Thursday 1-8 p.m. Funeral Mass at St. Raphael Church, 1118 Chislett Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, on Friday at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Allegheny County Music Festival Fund, One Smithfield Street, 1st Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
Read MoreI remember Gary as a 10 year old helping my dad, head coach at Knoch high. On a summer training lunch break Gary told me to hang on to his shoulders to add another 70 lbs as he climbed up the peg board. I remember asking him what place he took I'm a sporting event. He told me he didn't know there was a place other than first. He was both physically and mentally tough.
John Masarik Jt
July 04, 2022 | Acquaintance
So sad to learn of Gary's passing. He was one of the good guys. I remember settling an intractable divorce, once it got to him, in 20 minutes. A real pro, universally admired, respected and loved. Goodbye old friend.
Bob Monsour
March 17, 2016 | Murrysville, PA
Friends for 40 years.
I will always miss him.
Gerrie Shapiro
Gerrie Shapiro
March 12, 2016 | Santa Barbara, CA
My deepest sympathies to the entire Gentile family. Gary truly was an amazing man and attorney. He assisted me with my child support case and always made me feel that I was his most important client. I've recommended his firm to numerous people. I will miss his humor, his passion for his work and his passion to help people.
Marge Miller Kovac
March 12, 2016
Dear Gentile Family March 6,2016 Kindly accept my sympathy on the loss of your remarkable husband and father. Gary and I tried many cases when he was in the Public Defender's office and I was with the District Attorney.He later briefly shared office space with David McSorley and me on the 8th floor of the Frick Building.Gary and I had a brief,but pleasant chat here in Washington County several years ago. It was the last time...
Mark Geary
March 06, 2016 | Washington, PA
DEAR JEANIE,
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN. GARY WAS AN ALL-AROUND GREAT GUY. A REAL GENTLEMAN.
SINCERELY,
JOHN & KIM ALIOTO
March 06, 2016
Dear Gentile Family,
My husband and I would often see Gary at the Rivers Club on Saturdays, on that step master. Other times, we'd run into him in the Strip District. He always said hello, such a gentleman. What he didn't know is that about 20 years earlier, my first full-time job was working as the receptionist for another family lawyer in town. He came off the elevator and introduced himself. He treated me - a young 21 year old receptionist making $15,000 a year - with the same...
March 05, 2016
So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was a true gentleman...always kind. Prayers for his family.
Lisa Peluso
March 05, 2016 | Oakmont, PA
Sympathy & kindest regards to the Gentile family & multitude of old friends wherever they may be. God bless 1 & all. The late Arthur Wessell, Jr. appointed yours truly to the Allegheny County Courts. Fond memories of Gary, Ralph Cappy, many others Take care.
Ray Allen
March 04, 2016 | Lock Haven, PA
