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Gary Heller Obituary
Loving husband of Lynne. Dear father of Joseph (Alexis) Heller and Haley (James) Wright. Proud grandfather of Micah and William Heller, and Amelia and Eleanor Wright. Brother of Mark (Rhonda) Heller and Randy (the late Alan) Solomon. Fond uncle to many. Gary and his brother Mark were the owners and operators of the Harry Engert Company, a hardware manufacturing business started by their grandfather. Music was his passion. Gary played guitar in blues and rock bands across Chicago. Service Wednesday 12PM Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd (at Niles Center Road), Skokie. Private interment at Westlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michaela Nelson
October 21, 2024
I met Gary, via Shelly Plotkin. Mickey & The Memories was building a show band.... That was 1983. We all had personalities in our 60s tribute band and Gary was "Hammerin' Hank" in our promo yearbook. He was our Jewish Buddy Holly. Oh how we loved him. Not only was he wicked on guitar, but hilarious off stage in our dressing rooms ... and then his was a cartoonist... much to our chagrin. Even after leaving out show to start his own..., he was and will always be beloved as family. Our hearts are broken.
Steven Levy
October 19, 2024
I remember the jams with Gary ,Gary had the most awesome guitars I was always trying to buy one , Also the Buick Riviera we had we had good times ,will always remember thoughts and prayers to the family.
Tim Wiley
October 18, 2024
Man, we laughed and had fun together. If you didn't laugh with Gary, it was your fault. We met when we were just 13 or 14 years old. Young kids in pursuit of our common love, music. It was something in us, Gary played his Eko bass, Nick played guitar and I played drums and we would jam together on Friday nights then order a pizza and watch Creature Features and stay up late.
Gary switched to guitar when he was about 16. His musical voice exploded. He was something else. Damn cool.
There are times in our lives when you need the support of a friend to lean on, without questions, judgments, or conditions.
Gary is my Friend.
How you can show support
Nancy Boim
October 17, 2024
My thoughts and prayers to you all. May his memories always be a blessing
Jim Ratcliff
October 16, 2024
Lynne, Joe and Haley,
My sincere condolences to you all and your family. I enjoyed being with you all when you would come down to the Agnews and visit our neighborhood. Gary was somebody that I could always talk with along with you Lynne. You are so sweet Lynne. Sorry to see you go through this. Nicest people I ever meet. You will always be in my thoughts.
Jim Ratcliff (Fish)
Carrie Peirce
October 16, 2024
Oh Lynne and family, Tom and I are so sad. Gary was a great guy and a wonderful musician. He played at our wedding, I´ll never forget him. We are sending love and prayers to all at this time. Love Carrie and Tom
char "smitty" frires
October 15, 2024
My Brother, My Friend. Played a lot of music with Gary both in Ojala' and the Nightcrawlers. Safe Passage through the Bardo. Hope to play with you again next time around, Gary!
Marty Schwartz
October 15, 2024
Glen Zatz
October 15, 2024
Condolences to the family. Gary was a great guy with a wicked sense of humor.
Curtis Bachman
October 14, 2024
Many great years sharing the Bandstand with Mickey and the memories.
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8851 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077-2224
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