I met Gary when he was 36 years old, at a Melrose co-workers house party of his. He came to Long Beach the very next day to pick me up for lunch at my humble little one bedroom studio apartment. I remember we laughed because I was a local Ad Executive at Comcast and he was a big time VP of Showtime and he made a joke that even he didn't get a colored printer as he noticed my work one. It was the first time I learned of his great sense of humor.
 I moved to West Hollywood a year later and I was one of the first people he shared his new home with after getting ready to leave his apt in Santa Monica.  He was so proud of that accomplishment. Being a tad younger, I now know how much that really meant to him when he shared it; I wish I would've understood how much at the time. But, I finally do as eventually going through the process myself. Ironically, I signed for my first home the day I learned he had passed.  Thus, I remembered him sharing his new home that day so vivdly. At that moment thinking to myself during present time, "yes", I get it now Gary your message is received from above.
Gary helped me many times throughout my career when he distributed films on Showtime that I promoted. Some were really small indies but, he helped them immensely. We've always shared a love of film even from day one in Long Beach his noticing I was probably the only other person he knew that had a copy of the Film, "Fall", as he of couse knew the producer. 
I will part with a clever time he made a whole table laugh, as we went to dinner one night at my favorite Italian place on Sunset. Gary had just got back from Italy, so he decided to pay with the Italian Lira, you should've seen the waitres's face! A priceless moment I will never forget.
I am sorry this has happened, I wish I wouldve been able to say, "good bye" in person.  But, I hope to visit him where he was laid to rest soon. My sincerest apologies for your loss ! He cherished his family deeply. He will be missed by many.  

I met Gary at Napa Valley Grille where he would come for business lunches. We became friends and would go to dinner, watch movies, and go for walks. He was one of the most genuine people I have ever known. One of his greatest attributes was his sense of humor. He was funny!!!! 

He handled his illness with grace; calling himself "Gary 2.0".  I feel such sadness that he is gone but feel lucky to have known him.

Colleen Barone

Groman Eden Mortuary

Gary Garfinkel

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Gary Michael Garfinkel

September 25, 1962 – May 25, 2018

Groman Eden Mortuary & Eden Memorial Park

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