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GARY GENTILE Obituary
GARY G.
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 & Jefferson College. Gary then found squash when he should have been attending law school classes. Like every athletic 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 may be made to Allegheny County Music Festival Fund, One Smithfield Street, 1st Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
zalewskifuneralhome.com
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John Masarik Jt
July 4, 2022
I 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.
Bob Monsour
March 17, 2016
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.
Gerrie Shapiro
March 12, 2016
Friends for 40 years.
I will always miss him.
Gerrie Shapiro
March 12, 2016
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
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Mark Geary
March 6, 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 I saw him. With the passing of Ralph Cappy, Gary Zimmerman and now Gary, it makes me realize how short life can be. May this good man rest in peace. I was honored to be his friend, and I am sad. Mark Geary
March 6, 2016
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 5, 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 respect and charm as he did with a fellow attorney. That memory has always stuck in my head. Without a doubt, treating all people with kindness can be your biggest legacy.
With our thoughts from our family to yours,
Christine and Andrew Stone, Esq.
Lisa Peluso
March 5, 2016
So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. He was a true gentleman...always kind. Prayers for his family.
Ray Allen
March 4, 2016
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.
VAL NEEL
March 3, 2016
DEAR JEAN AND FAMILY,
I KNEW YOUR DAD FROM WORKING FOR YOUR UNCLE AT THE HOTEL SAXONBURG,,,BOTH AMAZING, KIND, THOUGHTFUL MEN,,,
MAY GOD PUT HIS ARMS AROUND ALL OF YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE, LOVE,AND FAITH THROUGH THIS SAD TIME..
PRAYERS AND LOVE TO ALL OF YOU...
VAL AND HOTEL SAXONBURG STAFF
VAL NEEL
March 3, 2016
JEAN AND KIDS....WE SEND OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS AS YOU GO THROUGH THIS SAD TIME..I KNEW YOUR DAD FROM WORKING AT THE HOTEL SAXONBURG FOR YOUR UNCLE FRED,,BOTH AMAZING,CARING, THOUGHTFUL GENTLEMEN,,MAY GOD PUT HIS ARMS AROUND YOU ALL AND GIVE YOU THE FAITH AND STRENGH AND PEACE YOU NEED IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME...
Carhy Bubash
March 3, 2016
There'll never be another like Gary and I doubt that any of us will ever forget that I am grateful for all the help he hasgiven me in my career and send my condolences to his wife and children Cathy Bubash
Fr. Thom Miller
March 3, 2016
Jean,
You and the kids were #1;
Squash and the Law were a close 2nd.
Gary was a bigger than life type of person.
He is unforgetable. His heart was huge!
August C Damian
March 3, 2016
The Gentile Family:
I would like to express my deepest sympathies for your tremendous loss. Gary was not only a wonderful lawyer, but a close personal friend.
He will surely by missed by the community of Pittsburgh.
Billy and Vicki Dee
March 3, 2016
Our very deepest sympathies for your tremendous loss. Gary was always so much fun to be with.....the memories will live on forever. May God bless your family and please know that we have prayed for you and will continue to do so. Love,Vicki and Billy Dee
Mark Betres
March 3, 2016
Jean,
I am so sorry for your loss
A Very Special Man who's Charm and Wit will be sorely Missed
Fondly,
Mark Betres
March 2, 2016
Jean,
So sad and sorry to hear the news of Gary's passing. What a loss for you and your family, as well as the squash and Pittsburgh communities. My heartfelt thoughts are with you.
Fondly,
Fran Steger
Duilio Costa
March 2, 2016
Jean and Family,
We are thinking of you at this very difficult time. Our prayers are sent that you will find comfort in the knowing that you have been blessed with this great husband and father. We are so saddened at this loss and fondly remembering all the great memories of years past playing squash with both of you.
Your friends and Squash Coach
Duilio and Lori Costa
Helen McDermott Taylor
March 2, 2016
Jeannie and Family: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. I hope that you can find an easy peace from the heartbreak and that the fond memories of love and laughter find their way into every day.
March 2, 2016
Jean, he was very special to me. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve and Mary Leone
Janet Jacoby
March 2, 2016
Jean and Family,
You are in very special prayers as you grieve. May the Lord comfort you and hold you ever so close to His heart and dry your tears. Gary must have been an amazing man! Lean on those in your midst for support.
Prayers and blessings,
Janet Bender Jacoby
Dan Glasser
March 2, 2016
A terrific lawyer and an even better person. I will miss seeing him in courtrooms and cocktail parties alike. The world is a little bit lesser without Gary.
Elaine Berkowitz
March 2, 2016
Jean, Liza, Jordan and Ben,
I am so sorry for your great loss.
What a great guy. May your strong faith help you heal. No one can replace a dad.
RIP Gary.
Elaine Berkowitz
Ruth Crouse
March 2, 2016
So sad for all of you losing such a great guy...my sympathy and prayers to you. Love from Ruthie Crouse
March 2, 2016
Dear Jean and family,
I am at a loss for words. It doesn't seem enough to say how sorry I am to hear this sad news. I just keep thinking of Gary full of funny quips...the quickest humor I've ever known. I am thinking of you and wishing you strength, peace, and the ability to continue to somehow find the humor in life.
sending love,
Linda Schifino
March 2, 2016
Dear Jeannie and the entire family,
I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Gary, your husband and father to your three amazing children.. I am sending to all of you my deepest condolences, love and comfort.
Love,
Joanne Minsky
Bill Stewart
March 2, 2016
Met Gary through Dave McSorley on a couple of visits to South Bend. Quite a find! Gary was thoughtful, funny and a pleasure to be with. Condolences to Dave and the Gentile family for their great loss.
John Smyth
March 2, 2016
I shed some tears on Sunday when I heard that one of the greatest saloon guys I have ever met went up to be with froggy, hoge,chateau and big daddy . My god the lies that will be told around that table. Jean and the kids He was one of the greatest gentlemen I have ever met and like a lot of us he busted my chops many a time . One time he and book ryan got wind of something I had done and they tortured me for 20 years . Anyway with great sadness but with many fond memories I bid him farewell
Hawkeye
Dick Joseph
March 2, 2016
Gary proved that one could be caring, competent and serious, while at the same time be fun loving and humorous. The world needs to learn this lesson. My sympathy for your loss, and may God Bless the Gentile family and after your grieving, restore to you your memories of the fun loving husband and Dad who brought you and many of us so many joyful moments. Rest in God's Peace Gary.
Kathleen Carr
March 2, 2016
My deepest condolences to the Gentile family. I hope that peace finds you all at this very difficult time in your lives. All my best,
March 2, 2016
I was very saddened to read of the passing of a very highly respected legal colleague and hilarious friend. Please accept my sincere condolences at this difficult time. - Jeff Pollock, Esq., Sq. Hill
John Carrabba
March 2, 2016
Jean , Liza, Jordan and Ben
When I close my eyes and think of Gary a smile replaces the heartache. We all knew this day was coming and he gave a champion's fight. He is a Hall of Famer of the top order. The sincerest condolence from my family.
John, Jennifer, and Michael-John Carrabba
Dennis Morabito
March 1, 2016
The toughest little guy I ever met. My friend. My hero. I owe him a debt of thanks I could never repay. God Bless You, Gary.
Lisa Pawelski
March 1, 2016
Much love to you, Jean, Liza, Ben, and Jordan. Fond memories of Gary, who was the very first person to welcome us to the neighborhood. I was being shown the house, and stepped out onto the deck. Gary was leaning against your deck railing with a glass of red wine cupped in one hand. I hailed him and asked how he liked the neighborhood. He said, "Great place to raise kids!"--and he was so right. We will miss his wit and his kindness.
Jessica Weister
March 1, 2016
To the Gentile Family --
Please know that I am thinking of you all as you endure such a heartbreaking loss. The obituary says it all -- a great man and a great family who knew how to have fun. May you all continue to do so knowing it is what he would've wanted.
To my DZ sisters, Liza and Jordan-- love you both. Always here if you need someone who has been through this nightmare as well. Dads are special, we all lost ours too soon.
Jessica Weister
Jon Barkman esq phi psi
March 1, 2016
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Jeanianne Brody
March 1, 2016
With utmost respect and deepest symphony. An incredible man, his legacy will live on forever.
Jeannie, Ben and Jordan Brody
Dick Barton
March 1, 2016
To Jean, Liza, Jordan and Ben. Your Husband and Dad was a great friend to so many. I met him in 1975 through the PAA along with Dave and was privileged to call him a friend ever since. May his journey to Heaven be swift and peaceful!
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216 44th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
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