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Gary Zwillinger Obituary
Beloved husband, brother, uncle and friend, prominent Phoenix attorney, reluctant outdoorsman, world traveler, and lifelong Yankee fan, died on January 28, 2016. He was 63. Born on June 22, 1952, in Brooklyn, New York, to Sidney and Rose Zwillinger, Gary graduated from George W. Wingate High School there and then went on to earn a bachelor's degree in political science from the City University of New York, Brooklyn College, in 1974, and a J.D. from St. John's University (cum laude) in 1977. During his college years, Gary worked part-time as a New York City cab driver, much to the delight of anyone who had the opportunity to hear his tales of driving the streets of Manhattan. Moving to Arizona in 1979, Gary joined the law firm of Murphy & Storey. He was a founding partner of Storey & Ross and, later, Scult French & Zwillinger before joining Stinson Morrison Hecker. He founded his current firm, Zwillinger Greek & Knecht, in 2004. Gary was a trusted mentor who was always willing to take the time to listen to and advise anyone who asked, casting an even wider net as a board member for the Arizona Dream Builder Foundation, a group providing educational opportunities to young Arizonans who live out the tenets of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A die-hard baseball fan, he was an instrumental part of an (unsuccessful) crusade to get right-handed pitcher Jack Morris inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Gary married Patricia Magrath on January 1, 1989, and they enjoyed a wonderful, loving marriage, even though they practiced law together for many years. Their myriad adventures included trips to Antarctica, Iceland, Ireland, and throughout Europe. Despite his oft-repeated axiom that "I don't camp," Gary was never happier than when he was on one of the many rafting trips he took through the Grand Canyon with his family and friends. Gary is survived by his wife, Patricia; his brother, Neil; his sister, Pam Wylie; his aunt, Beatrice Markow; mother-in-law, Kathleen Magrath; sisters-in-law, Maureen, Teresa, Cecelia, and Mary Kathleen Magrath; brother-in-law, Timothy Magrath; nieces and nephews, Scott Zwillinger, Brian and Jason Wylie, Jenny Peel, Michael and Timothy Hoffman, Gaelan and Aubrey Jones, and Walker and Melissa Magrath; loyal pup, Stella; several cousins; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his dogs Jingle Bells, Bogey, and Brando. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Arizona Dream Builder Foundation, PO Box 63934, Phoenix, AZ 85082, or St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance, 2831 N. 31st Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009. Visit hansenmortuary.com for condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Zwillinger
Petra Schadeberg-Herrmann
January 28, 2022
5 years !We still miss your inspiration, you as a soundboard and open minded discussion partner .
January 28, 2021
Dear Gary, I have been honored to know you and I have learnt so much from you. Thank you! Petra
January 28, 2019
Dear Gary, your legacy continue here in Arizona. We are so thankful having had the honour to be a friend and learn from you. With deepest sympathy Petra from Germany
Kathleen Magrath's 85 BD celebration, August 2015
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Patricia and Gary Lke Louise 2009
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Walker Magrath
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Gary and his boat muse
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Kathleen Magrath Tierra de Fuego
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Gary Lake Louise 2009
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Family Supper
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Gary's 50th BD Celebration Telluride, CO
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Teresa Patricia Gary Lake Louise 2009
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Gary and Patricia Maryland
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Gary Lake Louise 2009
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Patricia and Gary Lake Louise 2009
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Walker and Melissa
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Tim and Catherine Magrath
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Kathleen, Mary Kay, Patricia Magrath and Bogie Telluride, CO
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Tim and Mike Hoffman
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Patricia Magrath
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
The Sisters in Canada 2001
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Gary's 50th BD Telluride, CO
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Gaelan and Aubrey Jones Magrath
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Cathy Norlie Telluride, CO
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Frank and Kathleen Magrath
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Aunt Bea August 2016
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Michael Hoffman January 2017
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Mama's 85th BD August 2016
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Gary's 50th BD Telluride, CO
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Gary, Patricia and Cecelia
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Miami International Airport
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Gary and Tony
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Miami Visit : Mary Kay, Teresa, Cecelia, Tony, Aubrey, Kathleen
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Gary and Ducky Salmon River 2014
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Salmon River 2014
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Salmon River 2014
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Gary Salmon River 2014
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Gary Salmon River 2014
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Gary Salmon River 2014
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Gary and Ducky Salmon River 2014
Teresa Magrath
January 26, 2017
Upper Salmon River, Idaho 2014
January 26, 2017
Dear Gary,
Thinking of you,
nearly a year
January 28, 2016
since your death.
I see your smile,
hear your laughter,
and the way you told stories,
your wise counsel,
perspective,
Holding Patricia,
family,
friends,
collegues,
clients,
neighbors,
close,
we miss you.
Love,
Teresa Magrath
Teresa Magrath
March 3, 2016
Gary Roy Zwillinger,
Your humour, courage, integrity, forthrightness, generosity, wisdom, kindness, love, appreciation. left the world more luminous.
One of your friend/clients cited to you...while searching for moral ground, he would ask himself, 'What would Gary do?'
...a compass for us all,
thank you,
holding Patricia close,
love,
Teresa Magrath
Teresa Magrath
March 3, 2016
Teresa Magrath
March 3, 2016
Teresa Magrath
March 3, 2016
February 17, 2016
Gary,
you were a tough adversary, a great lawyer and a good friend. Lars.
brigitte Curtis
February 15, 2016
dear Patricia and ALL family: I know from brief encounters at Magrath family events that Gary IS well loved by all of you! I know that I really enjoyed my quick visits with him. I know how dearly he loves and likes Patricia. It saddens me that he left this earth at such a young age. Those who live life with the most gusto seem to die early..."Only the good die young" is befitting of Gary's death. Patricia, you and your family are in my prayers. Brigitte Curtis
Jean Fielder
February 10, 2016
My heart goes out to you Patricia. I think of you and Gary often and am so very sorry for your loss.
Charlie Dunlap
February 8, 2016
Gary is already missed. His good nature and humor combined with wisdom and clarity of thought is only found in few people every generation. He was this for my generation of friends.
Avein Saaty-Tafoya
February 7, 2016
I like many of his clients am deeply grateful for the professional and dedicated legal and business counsel Gary and his team have provided to Adelante Healthcare. Gary's leadership, sense of humor, authenticity, and warmth were a rare combination and truly stand out in his field. I feel fortunate to have witnessed his example and been a recipient of his pearls of wisdom and wonderful stories. His dear wife, all of his family, friends and colleagues, my heart goes out to you. He was one of a kind.
Steve and Sharon(Murphy)Hulet
February 5, 2016
We are so sad to hear about Gary's passing. He always had such wonderful stories and a smile to share. Patricia you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Denise McClain
February 5, 2016
My heart ached to hear the sad news of Gary's passing. While he's no longer here on earth, he will always be a part of each of us who was blessed to know him. I know that I will never forget him. He was a funny, kind, loving, loyal person, mentor and friend (and amazing trivia-master!) He will be missed....truly missed. My heart goes out to you Patricia and to all of his current colleagues as I know you are part of his family.
John Hamilton
February 5, 2016
To Patricia, as well as all who knew and loved Gary. Nancy and I were very surprised to learn of his passing, but upon reflection we take comfort in the fact we were fortunate to have had Gary in our lives. To Patricia - our deepest sympathy - hope to see you soon.
Kathy Ramsey
February 5, 2016
Dear, Patricia so sorry for your loss.Jack & I send our deepest condolences to you and the entire family.
David Shein
February 4, 2016
RIP GRZ. I will miss you greatly as a colleague and friend.
Binnie Flum
February 4, 2016
Patricia, Sorry we never got to meet. I am Gary's cousin. I remember him fondly! Please know that you, Neil, Pam, and all your families are in my thoughts and prayers. With love, Binnie Flum
Dean Dinner
February 4, 2016
Like others, I worked with Gary for a number of years. Other than his fascination with the Yankees it was always fun to be around him. He loved his wife, loved practicing law and really cared for his clients. He was very good at negotiating deals for his clientele and helping them get out of tight situations. He will be missed by all of us.
Dean Dinner
Jeff Thinnes
February 4, 2016
My most heartfelt condolences go to you, Patricia, and to all who are saddened by Gary's passing. Gary was one of my first mentors and I could not have had a better role model as a lawyer and as a person of integrity, humor, and zest for all that life had to offer. I particularly recall the lunch breaks of 1-on-1 on the local basketball courts, his love for the Yankees, his boyhood stories, and more recently talking politics, drinking wine, and watching soccer on a big screen in the back garden of the German Ambassador's residence in Paris!. He left a mark on all who were blessed to know him. May he rest forever in eternal peace and may you, Patricia, find comfort in the abundance of memories you have with Gary..
Pamela Gulsvig
February 4, 2016
I have known Gary for almost 20 years. He hired me as an associate at Stinson and became my mentor, my friend and eventually my law partner. Gary said that practicing law was intuitive for some people (it just came to them naturally and was who they were meant to be). That certainly describes Gary. He taught me that you could enjoy practicing law and be an effective (in his case, outstanding) lawyer, negotiator and deal maker without being the stereotypical overbearing lawyer. You can get more with honey than vinegar. Gary lived life doing what he loved- doing deals, teaching and helping others and spending time with Patricia and his poochies. Gary was one of those people who you could not talk to or see for months and then call him and it was just like you spoke yesterday. He was always full of knowledge (legal and trivia) and was a great storyteller. I will miss Gary greatly, but he is always with me because he was instrumental in making me the lawyer that I am today. We can all be a tribute to Gary by living our lives with passion and compassion like he did. Thank you Patricia for sharing him with us. To me, PatricaandGary was one word because I cannot think of one without the other. My heartfelt condolences go out to Patricia and Gary's extended family in this very difficult time. I will always think of Gary and smile. Rest in Peace my friend.
Jeffrey Hedgepeth
February 4, 2016
I haven't seen Gary since high school but I remember him fondly. I was so happy he lived what seemed like a good and happy life.
Sherri Gold-Foreman
February 3, 2016
Gary has been a dear friend since our Brooklyn College days. His wit, wisdom and compassion will live on. He was loved and will be missed.
Michele Spiegelhoff Parks
February 3, 2016
I knew Gary years ago when I worked at Storey & Ross. Gary was always so kind, nice and funny. Patricia, I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.
Tim Magrath
February 3, 2016
Gary was my brother in law who I loved dearly. He always made us laugh and took such good care of all his family, especially my sister Patricia. I know my sister could not love anything more than Gary. She adored him, respected him and trusted him, including in all things like trivia and knowledge and virtually anything. He always stood by her side, and she by his. I have never seen anyone adore a spouse as much. I never witnessed a cross word between them, it was just total and unmitigated love and respect. Thank you Gary for being there for all of us, but especially for my dear sister Patricia. My heart aches for all my family and his friends for our loss, but I pray for Gary and hope that Patricia somehow perseveres with all the wonderful memories of her loving times with this most remarkable man.
Carol Merritt
February 3, 2016
Gary was a gem of a person, and a terrific attorney. I will always be grateful that I knew him. A keen mind, an incredible breadth of knowledge (plenty of it obscure), and a delightful sense of humor. What a loss! My condolences, prayers, and love go out to all who were blessed to have him in their lives, and now hold him in their hearts and memories. I treasure my memories of Gary.
Mike Druckman
February 3, 2016
I was honored to call him friend and advisor
Phil Corso
February 3, 2016
Two Irish Blessings
To Gary
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand
Thank you, my friend...
For Patricia
May you see God's light on the path ahead
When the road you walk is dark.
May you always hear, even in your hour of sorrow,
The gentle singing of the lar
When times are hard may hardness
Never turn your heart to stone,
May you always remember when the shadows fall
You do not walk alone.
February 3, 2016
Gary was always such a pleasure to work for. What a wonderful man.
Cheryl Eschbacher Givens
Carol Peterson
February 3, 2016
Gary was a true professional. It was a pleasure to be able to work on transactions with Gary and his team.
He taught us all a lot....
John Randolph
February 3, 2016
Gary was a great attorney and always had time to give advice to his friends. He will be missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
Greg Green
February 3, 2016
It was a pleasure and an honor to have known Gary both professionally and personally. His representation and counsel was valued on numerous occasions. A more honest attorney could never be found. He will be greatly missed and he will be an enormous loss to the Arizona legal community.
Greg Green
Andrew Breavington
February 3, 2016
Gary was a great attorney, a great person, and a great boss. He was one of the most genuine and original people I have ever met and I enjoyed his company immensely. My thoughts and condolences go out to Patricia and the rest of Gary's family. The world has truly lost one of its best.
Robert Turpin
February 3, 2016
Gary was a wonderful friend, and a great lawyer. I worked with him in every law firm where he was practicing law. He assisted me with many legal issues, and I will miss him very deeply. He loved his NY Yankees, and I enjoyed talking to him about his favorite team.
God Bless Gary, and my condolences to Patricia and his extended family. Warm regards, Bob Turpin
Debbie Lindsay
February 3, 2016
Gary was a wonderful person, his stories always brightened my day. I will miss him dearly. God shed you with his love Patricia and surround you and your family in this time of sadness.
Colleen French
February 3, 2016
I am so very sorry for your loss, Patricia. Gary was such a good man, and a wonderful friend to my family. Prayers for you and your family.
February 3, 2016
It was a pleasure to have known you. You will be missed by so many people and of course Stella. RIP GRZ. God you Patricia.
Petra Schadeberg-Herrmann
February 3, 2016
Gary, a wonderful , highly respected person, a great personality, has been my business companion for over 25 years. Thanks to his deep knowledge of real estate, his impressive intelligence and his commitment to at the time young, non-native speaking person, we were able to build a considerable real estate company. I am so thankful to have had the honour to work with him. A close friendship with him and Patricia has developed over the years. We loved to spaek about the world travelers. My husband Kay, my parents and myself want to express our sincere condolences from Germany. In very thankful, silent thoughts, Petra
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