Gary Gottfried Newman

Gary Gottfried Newman was born in Cleveland on September 30, 1930 and died in Naples, Florida on August 16, 2025. Gary lived an incredible 94 years filled with family, friends, travel, and simple pleasures. To know him is to know his love of family, smart wit, penchant for rules, sly humor, quiet sweetness, wise perspectives, and love for ice cream.

Gary was the son of Edward and Mynette Newman and was a loving, devoted husband to his dear wife Charlotte F. Newman for 68 years. Loving brother to Rodger (deceased) and Neil (deceased); and brother-in-law to the late Madeline Roberts Schoen (the late Sidney Roberts) and the late Sondra Loveman Cristal (the late S. Michael Loveman and the late Tom Cristal). The best father to Kim (deceased), Brad (Sue), Keith (deceased) (Alessandra) and Tracy (Rob) Myers.

Charlotte and Gary were blessed with 10 grandchildren: Danielle (Joe Biczak) Newman-Biczak, Brandon (Kyle Spicer) Newman, Trevor Newman, Madison (Elliot Rosenbaum) Myers, Mack (Sammie) Myers, Amanda Myers, Kevin (Jessica) Baldwin, and Kyle, Talya, and Benjamin Newman, and five great-grandchildren: Lucille, Ben, Jonathan, Ethan, and Davis. He was also beloved by many nieces and nephews.

A man of steady strength and quiet reserve, Gary had a playful spirit and found joy in both adventure and the simple rituals of daily life. A world traveler and avid golfer, he also loved jazz music, gardening, boating, long walks along the shore in search of shark teeth, and evenings spent playing gin rummy or poker with friends and family. Everywhere he went, he collected small treasures-like the ducks he brought home from his travels-that told the story of his life. He delighted in sharing newspaper clippings he thought his grandchildren would find useful or funny, a gesture that showed both his interest in and his deep love for his family. Though a steadfast rule follower, he had a mischievous streak, always ready with a prank, a joke, or a wink of good-natured trouble. Gary's generosity reached far beyond his family, as he gave wholeheartedly to many charitable causes. He held a special devotion to supporting pediatric cancer research, a mission especially close to his heart. Gary was known as "the candy man" for handing out pieces of candy to the staff in his building and his favorite restaurants, doctors, bankers, and cleaners, never forgetting each person's favorite. Beyond his lighthearted humor, Gary's true gift was the quiet, thoughtful care he showed to others, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and love that will be cherished always.

Gary graduated from Shaker Heights High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in business from The Ohio State University, where he was also a member of the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity. After serving as a medic in the U.S. Navy, Gary had a successful career selling life insurance.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in memory of Gary G. Newman to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Gifts may be sent to Memorial Giving, 501 St. Jude’s Place Memphis, TN 38105, or made online at stjude.org/donate.

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?express=0&sc_icid=mem-lp-donate-bttn-top&frequency_selected=0&product_code=ECGLMMENAMemorialRiveredge

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There will be a private memorial service in Cleveland at a later date. Online condolences may be offered at fullernaples.com.