Gary Vincent Paul Lacinski

Gary Vincent Paul Lacinski of New York City passed away on Sunday morning, October 4, 2015. He had been spending a restful weekend with his husband Chris Pagoota and their close friends Laurie Goldstein and Lynda Cipriano in East Hampton, New York. He was under treatment for AL amyloidosis.

Gary was born in Montclair, New Jersey and was the son of Dolores and Frank Lacinski both now deceased. He grew up in New Jersey with his twin brother Franc, younger brother Jeffrey and his older brother Mark (now deceased).

He attended William Paterson College where he majored in communications and pursued his interests in acting and radio broadcasting. Once he received his degree, he forged a career in New York City in advertising at a number of agencies including Synchronal Media and Wunderman Worldwide. He continued his acting studies at HB Studios in Manhattan.

In 1991, Gary Lacinski began selling ads for the newly created HX, a weekly, gay nightlife and entertainment publication. He was a part-time free lance salesperson at first, but his zeal for the job and success at bringing in new clients impressed Publisher Matthew Bank so much that he offered him a full time job in advertising sales. Gary rose to Advertising Director, then Publisher of HX and was also in charge of all sales for HX for Her, Empire Magazine, The New York Blade, and a series of events including the Gay Life Expo. He also sold sponsorships and ads for many benefit journals and nonprofit fundraisers. He was without a doubt one of the most successful and most professional advertising executives in the gay publishing world.

After 2009 when he and Bank folded their company, he moved on to Multi Media Sales Manager for the Village Voice. In 2011, he accepted the position of NYC Project Director for Meridian Printing where he contributed his expertise in the production of publications for museums, retail, commercial, financial and educational markets. This position led to Business Development Director at Circle Press/1800Postcards. Most recently, he was excited in his work as Head of Business Development for Munch Ado at AY Digital, helping to create breakthrough digital experiences that connect brands and consumers via online, mobile and social platforms.

Gary also was a NYS Licensed Real Estate Agent providing services to DG Neary Realty Ltd.

Gary leaves behind his loving husband Christopher Pagoota. Married in 2014, Chris and Gary spent the last 26 years building a life that was filled with family, friends and travels throughout the world. They actively supported Gay Men's Health Crisis and God's Love We Deliver. They also contributed to The Box Project as sponsors of families who live in poverty in rural parts of the United States.

Gary will always be known for his huge sense of humor, his ability to make anyone feel at home in his company and his spirit of good will toward all. His optimism and generosity will be remembered as it has changed the trajectory of so many people's lives.