Gary Albert Fusfeld

1940 - 2016

Fusfeld, Gary Albert

May 26, 1940 - September 20, 2016

Gary passed away on Tuesday, Sept 20, 2016 in Chicago, IL, in the arms of his loving partner Tommy Kalogine. He was born on May 26, 1940 to Ruth and Lewis H. Fusfeld. From early childhood it was Gary's dream to be employed at Saks 5th Avenue in New York City. Gary always had a love of the theater, which grew when his family moved to Appleton, WI in 1960 and he became involved with Attic Theater. He appeared in multiple productions as actor and also participated behind the scenes as costume designer.

Never taking his eyes off his goal of working for Saks, Gary began his career as a window designer for H.C. Prange Co. It did not take him long to excel at his craft. He moved to San Francisco in the mid-1960s and quickly found employment at Livingstone's Department Store, where his dream took off. Soon he was designing windows for Saks 5th Avenue not only in San Francisco but also in Los Angeles, Boston, and New York. While in New York, Gary was the Assistant Display Director responsible for designing the interiors for many of the new Saks locations. Gary's later and happiest years were spent in San Diego where he worked for Encore of LaJolla. During this time he also did freelance work for celebrity events throughout California.

Gary will be deeply missed by his partner Tommy Kalogine, his brother and sister-in-law Robert Fusfeld and Bonnie Lee, his brother and sister-in-law Stephen Fusfeld and Rebecca Freeman, a niece Hannah Fusfeld, and a nephew Andrew Fusfeld. His parents preceded him in death. The family is eternally grateful to Tommy Kalogine for his loving care of Gary. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. A memorial in Gary's name has been established with the University of California at San Diego Aids Research Institute.