Dear Lilly and family -
Jill and I think about you guys and of course Gary every day.  Since returning home, we watched the service and were so impressed with the love, courage and strength of all of you.
With Gary being one of the dearest friends I’ve ever had in my life  - since the age of five, I feel that a precious part of me, is missing.  From going to school together through high school, to playing ball together as kids, to sharing jokes and smiles throughout all but a few years of our lives, his warmth and humor have been a constant uplifting presence. 
And as Jill and I moved around the country and we’d go periods w/o speaking or seeing each other, I always knew that when we did reconnect, it was so easy and comfortable, like I had just seen him the other day.
And after his darkest days, when you came into his life, I was so happy to see my dear friend smile again.  You helped to bring joy back into his life and that made all of us so happy!
If there is anything we can do for you from afar or if you or the kids ever want to talk, know that we are here for you.
Love,
Bob & Jill Finkelstein

My deepest condolences to the Ladman family. I knew Gary from my work and I will always remember seeing him at customer meetings and industry events. He always had a smile and kind word. May his memory be a blessing.

In Sympathy,

Rob Beck

We are a very close-knit childhood friend-group from East New York. What made us unique was that we came from different parts of the community, and many of us, like Gary, grew up in the Boulevard Projects. Our bond was shaped by shared experiences, including the challenges and trauma of growing up during that time. A lot of things brought us together—our culture, our love of music, and especially sports. Sports, in particular, were where Gary truly shined, bringing passion to everything he followed and played.

As adults, most of us went our separate ways many stayed in touch. One of the unexpected gifts of COVID was that it brought us all back together through our weekly calls and conversations. During that time, most of us like me rekindled old friendships and rediscovered ours sense of community.

Living in Los Angeles, though I to get together when I was in NY I missed many of the get-togethers over the years, especially the annual gatherings at Lily and Gary's house. Those reunions like our dinners became an important tradition for the group. And somehow, we could tell the same stories over and over again, and they never lost their  meaning. I alway share the Gary and Larry (Wachler) camping in Canada story You know Gary was  trustworthy and  dependable if Louis Grobman would let me camp out with this bunch! And he continued to the dependable one - always making sure I  got to Penn station  to get to Montclair after our group dinners driving me there sometimes going out of his way. He was the main ingredient in our group  . . . witty, acerbic, quick-witted  . . . he will be missed greatly.

We have been neighbors of Gary and Lily on 6th Ave in Belmar for the past 11 years and were so saddened to hear of Gary’s sudden passing. We always enjoyed seeing them walk their beautiful dog by our house and have short conversations with them as we past their house on our way to walk around the lake or on the boardwalk. We will miss seeing Gary in the neighborhood and are sending our heartfelt and sincere sympathy to Lily and the whole Ladman family.
- Kathleen and Jim McGlynn, 417 6th Ave, Belmar

We were very saddened to hear of Gary's passing way so early in his life.  We have many wonderful memories of him and Lily together.
John enjoyed working with Gary and always looked forward to seeing him, knowing laughter and love came along with the work responsibilities.  He is remembered with great fondness.  May his beautiful  family find peace in the memories.
John and Jan Kolb

Gary was “one of the good guys” - he will be missed. May his memory be a blessing.

Dearest Pam, Michael and the entire Ladman family
May Gary’s unique love, kindness, and family values be with you always.  
Our deepest condolences. 
Always here for you. 
Helen Kleinbaum

Gary and I hit it off from our first meeting as business associates.  A few years later, Gary ended up hiring me.  We spent the last 15 years of our insurance careers working together for AEGIS, retiring on the same day.  He was the best boss I had in my 40+ years in the industry.  We came to be close friends.  I’m sorry I couldn’t make it there for the service, but I watched it online and was extremely moved by the outpouring of love from your family.  My deepest condolence's to Lilly and the entire family.  Gary, you left us much too soon and you will be missed by many.  Thank you for your guidance and friendship.  I will never forget you.

Dear Lilly and Gary's Family it is with great sadness that I learnt of Gary's passing. 
He was a great help and huge inspiration and wealth of knowledge in my insurance career, and will be greatly missed.
We shared some wonderful moments with clients, locked in a Library in the New Jersey office discussing a wording, to fun at the Aegis conferences.
I even had the pleasure of staying and meeting the "most expensive" spoilt dog in the world prior to the move to the Shore.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rob Collecott

My deepest condolences to Pam and Mike. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 
God bless. 

Laurent

Gary was a devoted husband, father and grandpa, as well as a friend. We have known Gary and his beautiful wife Lilly for almost 25 years when our son Ted Mottola started dating their daughter Jessica.  Gary always showed his love and commitment to his family especially to his four grandchildren. We love you, Gary and will miss you forever.. Elsa and Ted Mottola.

I am forever grateful to Gary for the time he spent to work with me.   A huge part of where I am today is because of Gary — one of the kindest, caring and understanding people I’ve met in my 41 years.  May you forever enjoy the Rangers and Knicks from any seat in The Garden.  My dearest condolences to the Ladman family.

My deepest sympathies to Lily and Family.  Gary was the best colleague and business partner one could have.  Most important, he was a mentor and friend!!  I miss him already!!!   Kurt Tentinger, fellow happy retiree!!!

With respect to Gary - he was great fun even in the most difficult of conversations, a great master of his trade, and I will miss him. My sympathies to Lily and his family.
Luke

My deepest condolences during this difficult time. Gary was a valued colleague and a kind presence in the workplace. I am grateful for the opportunity to have known and worked with him. May his memory always be a blessing.

My condolences go out to Lilly and the family. I closely worked with Gary and his staff at Aegis for 16 years .  I found it to be the most meaningful and joyful relationship not only from a work perspective, but it was a  true friendship.  He always talked about his family, adventures and, of course, the Rangers.

Gary always had a big heart, and always felt like a third grandfather to me. Growing up in Baltimore, I always would get so excited to see him. We always would make silly jokes, talking back to each other, “You are sleeping in the toliet!” He was filled with joy and was the kindest person I could think of. One time, Gary took Lily, their grandchildren, my sister, and I out shopping and it had put a smile on my face seeing the love the grandchildren have for him. I miss you so dearly, Gary. 

Love, 
Zachary ❤️

OBITUARY

Gary Bernard Ladman

July 26, 1952 – May 30, 2026

Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels

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