Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Eric Gelman Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eric Gelman
Sponsored by Lynn, Richard and Jaimie Gelman, .
Josh Billig
August 30, 2016
Hi Gelman Family,
This is coming very very late, but I was just taking a trip down memory lane, thinking of a play I did with Eric probably in 2003 and went to have a look at what he was up to. I was very saddened to read what happened.
He was a talented, generous and kind man. Our play was a disaster, but rehearsing it was always a lot of fun. He was the lead and he set the tone of risk, trust and play.
I don't know if this will find it's way to you, but if it does, please know that regardless of time passing, there are people who still think of your son and brother. (I attached a picture from the play, The Phoenix, written by Morgan Spurlock of Super Size Me fame)
My condolences for your loss and my warm wishes to you all.
Josh
sarah weber-gallo
May 9, 2005
Dear Gelman Family:
It is with great sadness that I write to you today, as I have only just received word of your tragic loss.
I have so many wonderful and warm memories of Eric...moving to New York together and sharing that tiny apartment behind Lincoln Center caused us to be very close. I also have fond memories of visiting your family at your home in Florida during one summer break...laughing with him at his magician bar mitzvah poster...strolling the streets of wonderful Miami Beach...bringing Eric back to Fort Lauderdale as a guest of my Grandmother. But mostly I think now of how kind Eric always was. His humor and patience and craziness were all instrumental in my coming of age as a young new york city artist. I know that Eric loved you all dearly, as he spoke of you constantly during our year together.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness.
Abigail Katz
April 27, 2005
To the Gelman Family:
I studied with Eric at The Esper Studio in New York, and had the privilege of performing a scene with him from "Lovers and Other Strangers" (he was brilliant!)
Eric was not only incredibly talented, but absolutely loved by everyone around him. I know all of his friends feel lucky to have known him, and deeply feel this devastating loss. I will remember Eric for his devilish wit, his good heart, his dedication to his craft, and most of all, his love for his family, especially Jaimie. He often spoke of you with such pride and clearly cared for you so much.
All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. We will all miss Eric terribly.
May his memory be a blessing.
Alex Endeshaw
April 27, 2005
To the Gelman family,
I knew Eric from William Esper studio in the same class with Masha Sapron. Joining the class in Year Two was not easy. Felt like an outsider as most of the class had bonded with each other. I was the odd man out. Eric made me feel very welcome and was always quick with a laugh and smile. That really helped as class was difficult and we were working on bearing ourselves emotionally. Once, he made me laugh so hard about the nickname Masha used to call her boyfriend "Boo Boo." It was a testament to Eric's warm spirit and natural ability to do comedy. He was a very gifted actor. Funny with a powerful dramatic flair. He had the ability to play almost anyone. A very enviable quality among actors. I remember being haunted by his portrayal of a college professor in David Mamet's Oleana. Eric brought the scene and character to life so vividly I thought I was back in college witnessing something all to real and common. I will miss him a great deal and feel very fortunate to have been touched by his presence. Eric will always be in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest condolences to you and yours. May God bless you and keep you always.
Alex
Heather Rivas
April 27, 2005
Dear Gelman Family--
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Eric and I studied together at William Esper Studios in NYC. Infact, he was my acting partner for a short time, while we worked on a scene together. What I loved most about Eric was his ability to make me laugh. Not only did he make me laugh, but he had this wonderful way of making me feel confident, special, beautiful, and most of all, cared for. I remember when I was thinking of moving to his neighborhood, on the upper east side, he gave me a walking tour of the area. He would say, "and here's a great little restaturant that serves great food and ofcourse, its close to me." or "here's a great bar, and its close to me..." I ended up moving close to his apartment and we would sometimes go to movies together. Even though it wasn't a date, he'd always bring me a flower, walk me home and make sure I got in alright.
I feel so lucky to have known Eric. I will miss him.
Gelman family, I hope that time and memories will help ease the pain of your loss.
Regina Raiford Babcock
April 27, 2005
To the Gelman family,
I worked with Eric in New York City when he was an administrative assistant for Buildings magazine/Stamats Communications. He would always pop his head into my office to tell me a funny story or to ask advice. I miss his kindness and his sense of humor. Eric always spoke glowingly of his family. Thank you for creating Eric. He was a true gentleman.
Steve Burrows
April 26, 2005
To the Gelman family,
I knew Eric for exactly one day - fortunately for me, it was captured on film. Last June, I was directing a series of commercials for the Taco Bueno franchise and we were desperately looking for someone to fill a role we simply could not cast. After seeing literally hundreds of actors, Eric walked in, and - what can I say - he instantly made us laugh. Out loud. Hard. We cast him on the spot. As for the shoot, my producer - never one for hyperbole - said it best... "That dude is funny." Not to mention a pro. And a gentlemen. On behalf of Backyard Productions and my entire crew, please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Meredith Collins
April 26, 2005
To Eric's parents, his sister, and his grandparents,
Eric and I trained together at The William Esper Studio in New York, and then moved out to LA around the same time.
I have SO many funny, joyful, hilarious memories of Eric.
But the ones that stand out in my mind during this unbelievable time are the ones where he talked so lovingly of you all. Even though you were often separated by distance, each one of you were a part of his everyday life, so much so that I feel like I have memories of you!
I remember vividly Eric telling us about his grandmother calling when she saw him on Monk for the first time. There was the time difference so Eric hadn't seen it yet and his grandmother called and said, "Eric!! You're on TV!!" He got SO MUCH joy out of your excitement! And he laughed so hard when he told that story!
And he LOVED sending those mass e-mails and "warning" everybody not to say anything risqué because his grandparents were on the list. Finally, I e-mailed him back and called him a lazy bum for not sending a special e-mail to his grandparents. And I'll tell you, he scolded me good, saying how he wanted to include his grandparents in all the events of his life and how he knew it made you laugh when he sent out the "warning". I really loved him for that.
And throughout our time at Esper and out here in LA, Eric talked so much about his sister and how proud he was of you and how excited he was about the things that you were doing - and even how you got into trouble together a couple of times! And, most importantly, he would often mention how lucky he felt to have the support of his parents. Even though he was far away, he felt very close to you guys and felt very loved.
And he really was the guy who made sure the girls were safe. Several of his coworkers mentioned it to me, and he definitely looked out for me on more than one occasion - even waiting for a tow truck with me on a Saturday night after an exhausting shift, and refusing to go home when it was taking forever!
Eric was a really good man. He was a really gifted and talented actor. And he was REALLY funny. I feel lucky to have known him.
Valerie Chiovetti
April 25, 2005
All my deepest sympathy in the loss of Eric--a beloved son and brother. I will remember him as cheery breath of fresh air in this crazy industry and I consider myself lucky to have known such a genuinely sweet and dear man.
The Gelman Family is in my thoughts and prayers, always.
May God comfort you among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
~Valerie Chiovetti
Marni Goldman
April 25, 2005
Dear Gelman Family,
I am so very sorry for your tragic loss.
I met Eric when he first came to Los Angeles and my little brother referred him to me, having met him briefly in New York, for representation. Although he was new to this part of the business, his warmth, sense of humor and genuine kindness won me over and I was moved to introduce him to our commercial department, with whom he ultimately signed with for representation.
Eric spoke to me about the love and support he felt from his family towards his passion for acting and in all areas of his life.
He will be truly missed by many who were lucky enough to know him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
HELEN NICHOLS
April 25, 2005
Dear Lynn and Richie, Jamie, Ada and Howie,
I was devestated when I heard the terrible news of Eric's passing and just wanted to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt condolences to the entire family on your great loss. I just had the plesasure of seeing Eric surrounded by his warm and loving family at the recent birthday party held for his Aunt Libby. May the beautiful memories you have of your wonderful son help to comfort you during these difficult times.
Helen Nichols (Karen and Ronnie"s aunt)
Lynly Ehrlich
April 23, 2005
Gelman Family,
I am so sorry for your lost. Though I only knew Eric for a short time (we met in groundlings class) He made my life a little brighter. In Eric I saw what a friend should be- strong supportive of others and always there to make you smile. I will miss him and please know your family and eric will stay in my prayers. God bless you and hold you. Lynly
Pat Conover
April 23, 2005
Dear Dr. Gelman: I left Miami Children's Hospital almost seven years ago to relocate to North Carolina. Just within the past three months, I have moved again to a small town outside Atlanta, Ga. In spite of address changes, news about members of our "MCH Family" eventually reaches me. The news of your tragic loss is unbelievably heartbreaking. My sincere condolences to you and your family. May God give you strength throughout this life-changing ordeal.
Nancy Roberts
April 23, 2005
Dear Lynn, Richard, Jaimie, Ada and Howie,
I am Sam and Harriet's daughter, Nancy. While I never had the honor of meeting Eric, I have heard my family speak so lovingly of him - of all of you - for so many years that my heart is broken for you.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you never know another sorrow.
Terry Knickerbocker
April 23, 2005
To Eric's Family:
I offer heartfelt condolences to all of you for your terrible loss.
I was Eric's acting teacher for two years at the William Esper Studio, and have so many warm memories of Eric, both of his work, and of his essential spirit as an artist and a human being.
Eric was an excellent studnet, an actor of depth, power and imagination. He was a gifted comdedian who could break your heart, or terrify you with a look. Eric was a wonderful student, as hard working and reliable as they come; diligently and obsessively striving to make his work better, clearer, more precise. Eric was a pleasure to teach, always open to feedback, He was a generous and challenging partenr to everyone he worked with,
In short, he was memorable, and special.
I'm going to miss him.
Andrea Lwin
April 22, 2005
Dear Gelman family,
My thoughts are with you during this hard time. I got to know Eric through a class I took at The Groundlings in January. He left such a huge mark in all of us with his smile and his heart.
Andrea Lwin
Steven Wildman
April 22, 2005
Dear Lynn,Richie and Jaimie,
I am very sorry to hear about the tragic loss of Eric.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Steve Wildman and Della Attisani
Jaene Leonard
April 22, 2005
I have been battling with this news since I received it two nights ago.
I knew Eric from New York City; we worked together at Buildings Magazine, both of us actors, both of us loving The Struggle and reaping the riches New York afforded us during the golden years at the end of the 20th century. This office job was one of the best experiences in my working ('day-job') life.
Our boss Jack Curley, a prince among men, was very flexible in giving us the time we needed to take for an audition here, a class or show there, and Eric and I covered for each other when projects came up. Eric and I talked acting, the business, headshots, resumes, truth in the moment, etc. He was fun and willing to be goofy, always making us laugh and always looking toward brighter things...
He spoke fondly of his family and the support they gave him. I remember his sending flowers to his mother. It was refreshing that he was so thoughtful about this one biglittle gesture that so many men don't ever learn (without proper training).
Eric's voice was one of the first I heard on the mad morning of 9/11 - I called him- he was already making his way to the office and we were both relieved to find out the other was okay. Before we hung up, there was a thick pause between us. We knew something was happening that was going to change our world, our New York, and our lives forever. "Take care," he said slowly. We hung up and went on with our ways of coping.
I last saw Eric in LA about a year ago at an audition for our friend Maria's film. He was great and light in his audition and even broke out the elbow tricks. (We had elbow tricks in common.)
I'm sending loving prayers for the comfort of Eric's family. I can only imagine how excruciating it must be.
So long, Eric, we'll miss you in The Struggle.
fred glickman
April 22, 2005
Dear Lynn and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your terrible loss. From reading the entries in the guest book, it is clear that Eric was a wonderful young man who enriched the lives of many, and who will not be forgotten.
Fred Glickman
Nancy and Polo Doria
April 22, 2005
Dear Lyn, Richard and Jamie,
We are so sorry for the tragic loss you have suffered. Words simply cannot explain our feelings. We offer you our love, support and thoughts to you and all of your family. Your family is family to us. We love you!
Nancy, Polo, Sierra and Tanner
Jerry LURIE
April 22, 2005
Dear Gelman Family,
My deepest sympathy in the loss of a beloved son and brother. I know of no greater tradgedy.
Jennifer Dickens
April 22, 2005
To the Gelman family,
Eric and I were friends at Goucher. I was so shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. Eric is one of the kindest, funniest, and most warm-hearted people I have ever known. He had a unique gift for being able to make everyone around him feel special. When I think of Eric, I can't help but smile. Eric always had a knack for making people laugh. I have admired his tenacity in pursuing his dream of becoming an actor. He was a truly wonderful individual who made a great impact on many lives. I am so honored to have had the chance to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Please know that many of Eric's friends from Goucher are thinking of you as well.
~Jennifer Dickens-Evans
Christine Reigadas
April 22, 2005
To the Gelman Family: I cannot imagine the loss you are feeling at the moment. Elizabeth told me about the service and the wonderful tributes that were given on behalf of Eric. The grief and shock are foremost in your lives right now but one day you will have wonderful memories of a son that was so well loved and appreciated. A tribute to a wonderful loving family.
Renee Kaplan
April 22, 2005
We are sorry for the loss of your beloved son. Although we did not know Eric personally, we know people who did and we are all saddened by your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Renee & Bob Kaplan
Denise & Marshall Glasser
April 22, 2005
Words cannot express the ache in our
hearts at the loss of your son, Eric
In his short number of years he left a wonderful legacy which we will cherish.
Love,
Denise & Marshall
Jerry, Joan, Michael, David and Andy Fisher
April 21, 2005
Dear Lynn, Richie, and Jaime,
Words cannot begin to express the depth of the emotions that all of us who love you and your family feel. The monumental sadness that has fallen not only over your family but over this entire community can only be slightly tempered by the outpouring of love and support that is all around you. In a very real sense, Eric was a son, or a grandson or a brother or a friend to everyone who knew him and to everyone who knows you. Eric, by his very being, created a community that extends from one end of this country to the other and beyond. We are all Mishpuchah and we all share your loss. This terrible tragedy has devastated us and we (along with you) will never be quite the same again. Eric was taken from you (and all of us) way too soon but not before he (and you) had a chance to touch and change so many lives. Eric lived his life, supported in so many ways by you, guided by his internal compass. He followed his muse, created and then lived his dreams, and along the way he brought light and humor and balance into the lives of everyone he met. How many of us can say that?
We will all hang onto our favorite memories of Eric. For me, frozen in time, it will be the image of Eric as a counselor at Camp Cedar, standing in the doorway of the cabin, calling out to David F. urging him to hustle (just a little bit), while Eric flashed his infectious smile and showed that mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
Even when things seem so very dark, know that you will get through this and know that your friends and family will continue to be there, to help you to do just that. Eric's spirit will guide all of us.
Somehow I think that by now Eric has signed with a manager who has more connections and that he's looking down at all of us, smiling that wonderful smile, while he's working on a bigger sound stage in a better venue, relaxing in his very own air-conditioned trailer between takes and eating everything he desires from Craft Services (without having to worry about cholesterol).
Mary Pat & Brian Harrington
April 21, 2005
We are friends of Bonnie & Nicholas Gagliardi. We are so saddened to hear of your tragedy. You are all in our thoughts & prayers.
With our deepest sympathy,
Robert Reich
April 21, 2005
Dear Gelman Family,
I was saddened when my parents forwarded the obituary for Eric. They saw his name and remembered the year we had your family over for Passover. It has been many years since I last saw Eric as a classmate at Beth Am, but I considered him a true friend.
With deepest sypathy,
Robert Reich
Kenneth Welt
April 21, 2005
Lynn & Richard:
On behalf of the Welt Family, we want you to know that our hearts and prays are with you during this terrible time
Ken, Wendy, Warren, Ethel, Jeff & Jason
Sandi and Arnie Shevin
April 21, 2005
Dear Gelman family,
We are still reeling from the devastating news about Eric. We remember your son fondly as a happy, clever and creative young man and a good friend to our son, Brandon, at Beth Am. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brandon Shevin
April 21, 2005
I am very sorry to hear of your lost. i was good friends with eric at Beth Am, a long time ago. this is very sad news
Terri White
April 21, 2005
To the Gelman family:
I was a friend of Eric, "Gel" as we called him, at Goucher. He was such a wonderful young man- always bringing laughter wherever he went. He would light up any room he entered. He was always so giving and thoughtful of others. His loss was a senseless tragedy. He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during your time of grief.
Evelyn Miranda & Family
April 21, 2005
Our hearts and deepest sympathy go out to you and your family
Angelica Alfonso
April 21, 2005
Jamie-I cannot even begin to fathom what you must be going through. Please know that I love you like a sister and that my deepest prayers go out to you and your family. All my love, Angie
Joyce and Richard grossman
April 21, 2005
Richard,Lynn and Jamie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Richard, Joyce, ELise and David Grossman
Goucher Friends
April 21, 2005
To the Gelman family,
We wanted to share with you how much fun we had with Eric in college. He was a bright, fun, gentle guy who easily brought a smile to all of our faces. We are sorry for your loss and only hope that somehow our wonderful memories of Eric may oneday ease a bit of your pain.
All of our love.
Don Peterman
April 21, 2005
Baruch dayan emet!
It is with great sorrow that I heard of Eric's death. As a teacher at AMHSI I got the chance to glimps his great potential and love of life.
May Eric Jay Gelman's memory be for a blessing. May his family find comfort in remembering the gift that Eric was.
Abbe Meryl Schindler
April 21, 2005
Gelman Family, I only knew Eric for a short while but feel blessed to have had the chance to know him. We studied together at Groundlings. He was a source of laughter to us all and we will miss him terribly. My thoughts are with you during this painful time.
Adrienne Katz
April 21, 2005
To the Gelman Family, We are the parents of Larry Katz and our hearts and thoughts are with you. We saw Eric in LA when we visited Larry, and he was so happy in pursuit of his acting. We enjoyed his company and the wonderful friendship Eric had with Larry--18 years of their lives. The companionship and loyalty shared with Eric and his 322 AZA brothers was so special. I know many of them flew in from all over the country to honor Eric. His loss is inexplicable and terrible, and there's nothing we can do to lessen your burden except to hope that you will accept the love and caring from Eric's friends and treasure their memories of him.
Adrienne and Bill Katz
Deborah Pergament
April 21, 2005
Dear Lynn, Richie, Jaimie, Aunt Ada and Uncle Howie, Brian, Franny and family,
We join our parents in expressing our love and sadness. Words alone cannot express our sorrow.
With much love and affection,
Debbie, Paula, Rachel, and Roberto
Mindy Mora
April 21, 2005
Dear Lynn, Richie and Jamie: My thoughts and prayers are with you as you try to deal with this senseless tragedy. I know the loss of your beloved Eric will leave a terrible void in your life. Please know that your friends care deeply about you and will strive to provide you with whatever support you need to deal with your grief.
All my love, Mindy Mora
John Tabak
April 21, 2005
Richard, I cannot imagine the pain you and Lynn are experiencing. I can only offer my sincerest condolences and hope that you are able find a way to ease the grief by celebrating Eric's life.
Yanett Gonzalez
April 21, 2005
Lynn, my deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family during this devastating and so unexpected tragedy.
...Milly's sister...
Teena and Barry Wildman
April 21, 2005
Richie,Lynn,Jamie,Ada,Howie and all those who loved Eric--We're sorry we can't be with you today. Our thoughts are with you constantly. We wish you strength and hope that your memories of Eric will sustain you. We love you.
Barbara Wasserman
April 21, 2005
Dear Richie and Lynn,
I was just told of this tragic news from Donna last night and our hearts are heavy. It is difficult to express just how saddened we are, for you to experience the loss of a child so gentle and sweet as Eric. I remember all the good times he and Andy spent together.
Having lost my mother this past week, no matter how sad it was, is the natural order of life. Who can explain what G-D has for us to experience!
Please know that our thoughts are with you at this time. We will try to come down in visit.
Love,
Barbara and Ted
Todd Lebowitz
April 21, 2005
To the Gelman family: I am so sorry to hear about Eric's passing. My warmest thoughts are with all of you. It has been years since I have seen Eric, but I remember him well from our days at Beth Am. He was always a wonderful, upbeat person and he was a lot of fun to be with. It was a shock to me to hear the news. Best regards to all of you, as you get through this difficult time. Todd Lebowitz.
Bonnie and Nicholas Gagliardi
April 21, 2005
Our hearts break with sadness from this devastating tragedy. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you and we will always remember Eric with the smiles and warmth he gave so freely.
Adam Tabachnikoff
April 21, 2005
To the Gelman Family - We were deeply shocked and saddened by the news of your loss. Eric was a classmate at both Beth am and at Killian. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you - our deepest sympathy.
Marsha and Mitch Auster
April 21, 2005
Richie and Lynn- Our hearts are with you.We cannot even imagine the pain you are going through. If there is anything we can do to lighten the load please let us know. We love you, Marsha and Mitch
Showing 1 - 49 of 49 results
Make a Donation
in Eric Gelman's name
Memorial Events
for Eric Gelman
How to support Eric's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Eric Gelman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
