Gary Sapiro

JONESBORO - Gary S. Sapiro, M.D., retired neurosurgeon, departed this life in peace and in the comfort of his own home on March 1, 2025. He was born in New Brunswick, N.J., on September 21, 1938, to Albert and Sylvia Sapiro, growing up with his three brothers. His main interests growing up were playing football, running track, pole vaulting, having received many honors. His particular interest was playing drums which led to his love of music, being the lead drummer of a band, Al and the Marquees.

Following graduation from Highland Park High School in New Jersey, he joined the USMC, which he was very proud. Serving four years of service to the Corp during the Vietnam era, he attended Catawba College in Salsbury, N.C, playing basketball and running track and graduated first in his senior class (Summa Cum Laude). That was followed by medical school at Wake Forest College Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston Salem, N.C. Following graduation from medical school, he went on to internship at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pa. Gary continued his medical education with a one-year residency in general surgery (Temple University), one year residency in neurology (Philadelphia General Hospital) followed by four years of training in neurosurgery (University of Pittsburg).

Following his neurosurgical residency, Gary was recruited by the Wyoming chamber of commerce and began his neurosurgery practice in Cheyenne, Wyo. At the time, he was only one of three neurosurgeons in the state of Wyoming, becoming the youngest board-certified neurosurgeon in the country. Later, he took a position at Guthrie Clinic-Robert Packard Hospital in Saire, Pa., and was soon appointed chief of the neurosurgical division. He was later recruited by the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce to start the neurosurgical program at St. Bernards Medical Center and later started the neurosurgical program at Methodist Hospital of Jonesboro (now known as NEA Baptist Hospital), through out his years of practicing neurosurgery, there was not a day that went by he didn't feel and acknowledge the power and miracles of his lord in providing guidance through his skills.

Now getting past the educational tidbits, let's elaborate on Doc, as his friends so lovingly called him. He was brilliant and could speak five languages. If you needed him to help or give advice, he was there. He didn't require frivolous things, apart from his love for cars. Gary Stanley Sapiro was a loving father and husband, grandfather and skilled neurosurgeon known for his joyful, fun-loving spirit (that is, upon retirement). With a deep passion for books and reading, he had a lifelong love for learning and knowledge. Above all, Doc cherished his family, finding immense joy in spending time with them. He believed in the power of miracles and laughter, always bringing warmth and wit to those around him. His legacy will live on through the laughter, love and wisdom he shared with everyone lucky enough to know him and be his friend.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Sylvia Sapiro and his brother, Alan Cross Sapiro. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 44 years, Lynda Waldrip Sapiro, his daughter, Sarah Alison Sapiro, his two grandchildren, Huxley Alexander Sapiro and Alexxia Lynn Trent; two brothers, Robert Sapiro (Florida) and Len Sapiro (Woodstock, N.Y.), and loyal family dog, Annabell Lee.

Visitation will be held at Community Fellowship Church on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., officiated by Pastor Chad Wood. Serving as active pallbearers are Charles Lumpkin, Mike Barnett, Brandon Brewer, Hal Rees, Malcolm Street, Paul Prunty, Jamie Caradine, and Rick Mashburn. Honorary pallbearers include Dr. Danny Grubbs and Fred Pearson. Interment will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked to please consider donations to Community Fellowship Church (1600 Red Wolf Blvd., Jonesboro, Ark. 72401) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105).

Online registry: www. emersonfuneralhome.com