My dear cousin Gary… so hard to believe that it’s been 3 years today since you left. Seems like yesterday…. time goes so fast! You will always be in my thoughts.    Love, Rosemary

Michael
So sorry
All my love
Cathy cummins
312-615-6860

I’m sorry for your loss. 

I, like so many others, had the joyful opportunity to be trained by this special man. I think of some of the lessons he taught me, and the manner in which he taught me to be kind and respect my patients, on a daily basis.

I am now a teacher, and hope I’m half the physician and teacher he was.

A truly special man who touched so many countless lives in a special way.

Marty Lanoff, MD

February of 2003, I was stabbed & brought to Christ hospital where this man saved my life. He is the reason I am still here. May he rest in the most beautiful peace. 

Dr. Merlotti was a true inspiration to me. I worked in the ER at Christ hospital as a volunteer in the early 90's the year after college when I didn't get into medical school. There were so many Friday and Saturday nights I was in the ER watching him save lives. That motivated me to go to medical school and get into surgery so I could make a difference like he did. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great man who had a positive influence on so many peoples lives. I regret not being able to tell him how important he was to my career and life. Rest in Peace Dr. Merlotti. You have made a huge impression on our world. You will be missed.

My deepest sympathy to family and loved ones. I just now learned of this sadness, and I would have liked to attend the service in his honor.  I worked for years in SICU, caring for many of his patients. He was a wonderful surgeon and mentor, but he was so much more. A kind and caring person, he intervened for me, having my daughter transferred to Christ Hospital, following life-threatening trauma; he saved her life. May you find peace in the memories you hold deep in your hearts.                                                                                                                                                         Dr.Gary  Merlotti - May choirs of angels lead you into paradise, to enter into ever-lasting rest. 

I learned with surprise and sadness of the passing of the late Gary J. Merlotti MD.  We were contemporaries during our surgical training-albeit at competing training programs-and encountered one another at the Trauma Unit at the 'old' Cook County Hospital. Thereafter followed a lifetime of mutual personal and professional respect as we pursued our respective careers.  He was a beloved trauma surgeon at both Cook County Hospital and later Christ Hospital-always mindful of his calling with respect for all no matter their station in life.  His patients were fortunate to be cared for by him and he engendered respect from his colleagues, support staff and trainees. He will be sorely missed by all who cared for and loved him and also those he cared for. My sincere condolences to the family on his untimely loss.   

Quite simply the best trauma surgeon I have ever had the opportunity with whom to work.  The sadness felt amongst those of us who still tell Dr. Merlotti stories is tragically profound. The greater tragedy is the  sadness we all feel with the realization of the vast number of future medical students and residents that will never have the opportunity to be  trained by such a magnificent teacher.

Dr.  Merlotti was a gracious mentor who inspired me to pursue medical training and orthopaedic trauma surgery.  I particularly remember his kind bedside manner and admirable ability to navigate patients and their loved ones through the most challenging of health circumstances. His skills endure in the lives he saved, and his teaching and legacy will endure for generations of surgeons to come.

I remember when Christ went Trauma to our unit, no one knew what to expect. After being yelled at we caught on. He made our unit and nurses the best SINI. Gary is and was the best trauma surgeon. He was very creative. He couldn’t get a swollen bowel back in place so he took an IV bag turned it inside out and sewed it in place. It did the job plus it was a great way to see the inner makings of the intestinal tract. I liked making rounds with him but never answered his questions. I just listened and learned.
My sincere sympathy to his family, we will all miss him.we’ve lost a great surgeon.

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Gary's passing. He was a classmate all through elementary school and someone who always pushed me to do my best. I remember him as a very sensitive and sweet little boy and I'm sure those qualities stayed with him. May he rest in peace.
Sharon Winkler Moren

What a shock!
Gary have his heart and soul to be one of the finest trauma surgeons ever! Thank you Gary for helping me be the nurse I am today! Truly a loss to the chicago area. 

Our Loving Heavenly Father provides peace, strength and comfort during this difficult time (Philippians 4:13).

So sad to hear about the passing of one of my favorite mentors.  Gary was the first 3rd year resident at CCH that I worked with during my first rotation as a surgical intern.  His dedication to patient care and teaching was inspiring.  He was always supportive and patient with me and everyone he was training.  He was always a great role model.  
I have followed his career through the years as he became a great leader in trauma care in the Chicago area.  I have thought about him often and will remember him for a lifetime.  My deepest and sincerest sympathies to his family.  A terrible loss to human kind

I did not know Dr. Merlotti very well, but as a trauma surgeon who trained a few years behind him at UI/CCH, his dedication to the care of the critically ill and injured was inspiring.  Dr. John Barrett was my mentor at the old CCH trauma unit and the reason I chose trauma surgery as my specialty.  Dr. Barrett, and others, always spoke highly of Gary and respected the great work he was doing at Christ Hospital during the time of my training.  Dr. Merlotti was truly a giant in the landscape of trauma care in the Chicago region and his contributions to the care of critically ill and injured are legendary.  His contribution to the training of hundreds of surgical residents will forever be appreciated.  

To Gary's family and friends, please accept my deepest sympathy and heart felt condolences.  Dr. Merlotti was truly an inspiring man and an important part of our trauma caregivers community.

Mark Cipolle

"The peace of God that surpasses all understanding", help you and your family during this difficult time (Philippians 4:6,7).

In my many years as a trauma nurse,at Sinai caregivers and teammates tend to come and go - all on our own career paths.  Occasionally,  I have been blessed enough to make a true friend.  Dr. Gary Merlotti was one of those rare finds.  At work he brightened my day the moment I heard his signature shuffle coming  onto the unit most often followed by that giant smile and priceless laugh. Through his stories,  he taught in a captivating way where you often didn't even realize you were learning.  He showed genuine care and respect for both the staff and patients alike greeting everyone from the housekeeping staff to the CEO by name,  a skill I greatly envy.  Personally he offered advice when I needed it and support and humor when i was "getting far too serious" and great company at so many get togethers. At our last dinner he "modeled" the baby dress I had crocheted for Taylor (in the middle of the restaurant) and I watched him beam as we compared new granddaughter pics. 
My condolences to you all on this tremendous loss and  my gratitude for sharing your Dad with the world. He will be SO missed. 

Dear Doctor Merlotti

You were a mentor and advisor as a medical student 20-years ago, a welcome friend whenever we reunited at surgical conferences, and throughout the years, I have met multitudes of surgeons who you have warmly touched. You are our surgical hero both in and out of the operating room! I lost count how many lives you have touched and saved. 

I can still picture your big smile the day you returned from golfing in Scotland. I think you wore those bright colored golf shoes on trauma rounds at the hospital, and came with even more-over-the-top cheer and laughter for the next week. Heaven indeed has a special place for you, and may God's blessing be with you and your family. 

Shishin Yamada, MD

Best intern/resident I ever trained in my residency at Cook County.  Loved him.  One of a kind.  Worked like a dog and never complained.  Perfect County resident!!  My condolences to all his family and friends.  He had many!!

Dear Dr. Merlotti, 
Thank you for your years of dedication and mentorship in the training of the Mount Sinai Surgery residents. May your legacy live on through all of us. We hope to continue to make you proud. We are grateful for some Merlotti in us! My heart goes out to your family. 
Love,
Marel Ver, MD

Devastating loss of an amazing physician-surgeon educator and leader by example, who put his patients above all else and taught a generation of clinicians in doing so. 

His memory is a blessing. Worked at County back in the day. So sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry for your loss. I have known Dr. Merlotti since he was a surgical resident at the County. The memories of that group always had you laughing. May St. Sabastin lead you to the gates of Heaven. You will be sorely missed, but your legacy will live on.

May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family during this time of sorrow (2 Corinthians 1:3,4).

I greatly admired Dr Merlotti when I was a resident at Christ Hospital. He  provided exceptional care to all his patients. He trained many young residents, and  many of them followed in his steps.  I remember him walking in the ER or in the hospital always with a smile on his face,  an infectious laughter and  kind to all. My deepest condolences to Dr.  Merlotti's family.  
Grazia Aleppo, MD

DR Merlotti,  was the best trauma surgeon worldwide!! He taught me a lot, in Christ ER.RIP. 

I worked with GaryMerlotti at Christ Hospital. Always had a smile on his face, and was willing to teach you anything! Never looked down on anyone, and invited X-ray employees to his annual Christmas party! Such a good man, and a great Doctor! Never will forget him! Rest In Peace, Dr. Merlotti! Condolences to his family! Dee Lillie-Scholl

I will NEVER forget Dr. Merlotti. A world class trauma surgeon with an infectious laugh.  He threw the best holiday parties. I remember one of them was in February or the spring onevyear and he kept his home decorated for Christmas,  tree and all!!! 
I am so very proud to have worked alongside a man who loved life and saved so many people's lives on a daily basis. 
 I learned so much from him. Prayers for his family.  


My dear cousin may you Rest In Peace in God’s heaven. I will never forget you.

My condolences to the Merlotti  family. As an extremely talented surgeon, teacher and good friend to many, he will be surely missed. RIP Doc

OBITUARY

Gary J. Merlotti

July 22, 1952 – December 9, 2018

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services