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Gary Zall Obituary
A motivated teen surviving in a rough neighborhood, Gary managed to graduate high school and cosmetology vocational training simultaneously. He launched a successful salon which he later expanded to three separate businesses in NY, NJ, and Florida. He opened 42nd Street Haircutters in NJ, and Cuts Both Ways on Greenwich St. NY, and then established Designs by Garay in Bayonne, NJ where he has been for the last 30 years.
He rose to become a respected community leader and a consummate professional, trusted friend, wonderful neighbor, and most of all, the life of the party.
His expertise in his field was matched by his warmth, compassion, and his generosity. Clients came from all over NY and NJ for his charm, his advice, his humor, and of course, his hair cutting & styling skills.
Gary is survived by the 'love of his life,' Randolph E. Coe, his spouse, who resides in New York City. He is also survived by a brother Louis Zall, of TN, a niece Kristen Hanlon, of Fishkill, NY with great niece Leah, and great nephew Brayden. A nephew Louis Zall Jr., of West Virginia. A step-brother, Steven Zall, niece Kaitlyn, and nephew Steven from Bloomfield, NJ.
When it became legal for LGTBQ people to become legally married in 2012, Gary and his longtime partner (and love of his life), Randy married the same year in a public ceremony with 300 family and friends. It continues to be one of the happiest moments of his exemplary life.
In Lieu of flowers, Gary would like you to support the Gay Men's Health Clinic, GMHC in New York City: https://www.gmhc.org/
And/OR
202033541527950 - click this link to donate
The HCST Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports the educational and extracurricular activities of the students at the Hudson County Schools of Technology. There is a cosmetology program at this center, so Gary's legacy can be passed on to students like him.
The family invites Gary's loved ones to a special Celebration of Life, on Sunday, July 21, 12 noon - 4 pm, at The Chandelier Restaurant & Banquet Center, 1075 Broadway, Bayonne, NJ 07002. Please RSVP by July 18th to: [email protected]
Please state your name and how many are coming from your family(ies), listing if there are any children under 10 as well. There is extra parking behind and across the street is available.
21 Entries
Marilyn R. Hildebrandt
September 3, 2024
I have known Gary since the "42nd Street Haircutters" days. He would always listen and know how to style my hair and I would walk out of his salon very satisfied with my new movie-starlike coif! My sister and I will always remember attending he and Randy's delightful and memorable wedding. It was a special time. His presence will surely be missed. Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Marilyn & Alena Hildebrandt
Irene Dwyer
July 21, 2024
Gary and Randy were always so kind and always accommodating to me! During Covid, they came to my house to color and cut my hair! Randy even walked our Irish Setter puppy, Seamus as I was getting my hair done. It was so much fun and I was so blessed to know Gary! Love you both!
Tom Pinzino
July 18, 2024
"I hope there is a beyond where we can all meet again."
Robyn wrote this here, and it sums it up perfectly.
Gary has always been a wonderful, sweet, funny, generous and kind person. I was lucky to find him and his shop on Greenwich Street 30 years ago and to get to know him over the years.
A few years ago, Gary mentioned that he had bought a burial site on Staten Island. We had a chuckle together when I complained about needing to cross the bridge to see him for a haircut there.
The shop has been a special place, and we are all missing you.
My heart goes out to Randy.
Maire Ni Mhaille
July 17, 2024
Thank you Gary for the invaluable friendship that you always had with my cousin Pat Burns.I feel as if I knew you all these years. May you rest in Peace Pats cousin Màire from Ireland
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Lore Burbank
July 17, 2024
Dear Randy and family,
He was such a special person and wonderful person and husband. My prayer is that memories will bring you comfort in the days to come. Hopefully those who remember him will take one of his special traits and make it their own.
I wish I could be there to celebrate with you, however that isn't possible at this time.
Most Sincerely and with loving thoughts,
Lore Burbank (Pam's friend in Maine)
Bernadette Roussel
July 16, 2024
Our sister Pat Burns was a friend and client of Gary and the recipient of both Randy and Gary´s innumerable acts of support and kindness to her. Two things stand out in our memories. Going to Sloan Kettering Hospital to do her hair after cancer surgery and hand delivering a wig to the funeral home in Westchester so Pat could be viewed looking her best,
This photo was taken when Veronica and I happened to be on the same cruise with Gary and Randy.
I know he and Pat are sharing many laughs in heaven. Gone but never forgotten!
Lisa Rinaldi Onemma
July 14, 2024
To have known you is to love you. I was a little girl who enjoyed going to the beauty salon so my mom can get her hair done but what was the best part was Gary always gave me money after I swept up the hair so I can get candy. Through out the years as a child my mom had always followed wherever they moved and I always enjoyed going not just because of the candy but because Randy had a way with children. He always made me smile and her laughter was contagious. He was gifted and had a way about himself that light up the room. After so many years that passed I worked at Bayonne Veterinary where I would run into him and Randy. He had a love and a gift with all of his animals. He loved them so much that he would go to any level to help them. Often times I would get a call if he ever needed advice with Mia. I then became Mia sitter and I loved the fact that he trusted me to take care of her and I will always cherish that. Out last conversation was not to long ago where you have always recommended me and for that I am forever indebted to you and your husband. Thank you for all the countless memories and great advice and so much laughter. You will forever be missed and I promise to always take good care of Mia and Randy in your honor. I love you Gary and may you rest with all the angels and animals you have had through out the years. I know you will be looking down on everyone.
Love always
Lisa and Danielle Onemma.
Louiszallsr
July 14, 2024
Watching him being born 3 years after me.louis zall his older brother
Alan Burnham
July 14, 2024
All moments with this extraordinary man were special. Loved and missed.
Randi
July 14, 2024
I met Gary and Randy back in 2006 while working for Ballon´s LTD. He was always in the balloon store(right next to his Bayonne Salon). He would come in and talk to Eileen and Lyn Baer always making her laugh. When she wasn´t there Gary would come in and take a piece of candy in front of the counter where we had a huge box. He would always speed walk in saying "you didn´t seen me, I was never here" and hurrying back to the salon before anyone noticed. For many years I went to have my hair done with Gary and Randy. Gary would say something to Randy and I would always look up confused. He would tell me "not you, the other Randy." I will miss his laugh, his smile, and his sense of humor. Always the life of the party everywhere he went.
-Randi
Dianne Galella
July 14, 2024
Before Gary thought about being in the beauty business he used to come in Peter Morelli´s salon where I worked as a hairdresser I also did his mom and grandmother´s hair Gary would help me with setting the hair pieces which back in the day everyone wore even if you didn´t need it I will cherish his friendship forever RIP my friend
Thomas Green
July 14, 2024
Met Gary and Randy in Aruba back in 2015. All I can say is what a WONDERFUL man. Warm, friendly and just a ball of positivity. My heart goes out to all that love him. Your friends from Aruba- Don and Tom
Catherine Flanagan
July 14, 2024
I will always remember you Gary as a friend and confidante. We shared memories of Jersey City on many occasions and always with laughter. May you Rest in Peace and look after us here .... Your Randy and Mia. Xxo Cathie
Marianne dzikowicz
July 14, 2024
July 15 2024
Marianne Dzikowicz
I work by your side for 38 years my heart is broken knowing you are gone I enjoyed going to work everyday because of you we had so much fun together you are a great friend very thoughtful caring and good to me you are in my thoughts always I will always love you and miss you for the rest of my life rest in peace my dear friend
Paulette Nadolski
July 12, 2024
I will miss you my dear friend, all the talks we shared and both loving our furry friends. Your friendship meant so much to me. I just loved coming to the shop knowing we will have a few laughs. Rest easy Gary, be at peace and sleep with the angels.
Robyn Kusman
July 12, 2024
Meeting Gary at Peter Morelli's salon was the beginning of my hair relationship with him... he gave me my first "Dorothy Hamill" hair cut probably back in 1977 and myself and my whole family went to him for our "do's" - My mom cherished him and how he said her hair was like "spun glass"... Through all of his trials and tribulations, I thought my friend Gary was going to be with us much longer, and I am honored to have known him as a friend. Buying a home in NOLA took me away from Gary when I found a stylist there, but when I went in to say hello, he and Randy treated me like I never left and there were no bad feelings., and for that I will always love him and Randy.... One of a kind... I hope there is a beyond where we can all meet again.... like that big fantastic wedding at Nanina's... God bless you Gary <3 I will be away and cannot make the memorial and I am sad about that... I know there will be laughter and remembrances from all of those of us who were touched and lucky to know Gary... I will be there in spirit.....
Sherry and. Bob Kosinski
July 11, 2024
We all absolutely loved Gary and he will be dearly missed. A funny, lovable cousin and the life of every family event. Randy, Bob and I were so happy when you came into Gary´s life. We wish you peace and comfort knowing you had a beautiful life together.
Maryellen Skarl
July 11, 2024
Gary you will be missed terribly!!! I will never look the same from my first haircut from you at the pool in the Bahamas to now A lifetime of memories and laughs Love you my friend xox MaryEllen
Patricia Urciuoli
July 11, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
charlene zall capodice
July 11, 2024
I will miss you dear cousin Gary, You were fun, kind and truly a good person! You were the best stylist, I have never found anyone that compared to you! I will miss your sweet smile and quirky personality, our fun talks and your kindness. Sail on Gary, in no pain and with nothing but joy, until we meet again......
brenda claveloux
July 11, 2024
My beautiful cousin Gary was a sweet and kind man. What Gary wanted was to live a good life, have a lot of love in his life and be kind to others. He achieved all his goals. He will be missed by all of us who loved him. I will always remember our trip to Florida, our many dinners and New Years parties in his place in NY. He made a lovely life for himself with his many beloved pets and his husband, Randy. Gary often brought a smile to my face during tough times. He was a very funny guy too who could find the humor in many situations. Rest in Peace my beautiful cousin. I love you.
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