Contributions to the tribute of Gary S. Milenko

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Tuesday, July 7, 2020

I don't even remember how long we've known Gary-he was just always someone we knew and liked-onstage and off. He is gone way too soon, but will be remembered forever. May his memory be for a blessing....

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Arlene posted a condolence

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

I met Gary 16 years ago when I joined Studio Theater. Gary’s natural talent for comedy landed him many roles in theatres across Long Island. No one ever had a bad memory of performing with him. He was real, down to earth and humble. To say how much he will be missed would be an understatement. The theatre community continues to honour Gary’s memory with programs established in his name. Rest easy Gary. You will always be among us.

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Marie Olskey posted a condolence

Friday, July 3, 2020

Gary and I met when we were working at Loews hotels (LRI) in the city. We sat next to each other and how we laughed. We made hotel reservations for people all over the world and we had such a fun time doing it. We went on fam trips to fun places and became such close friends. He came to my wedding and when LRI closed their NY office we went on to work at Island Resorts together but Gary didn’t like it there so he moved on. We kept in touch over the years and I have so many wonderful memories of him. I am so sad he is gone but I know one thing for sure he touched so many lives with his acting, humor, laughter, and friendship. We are all better people because we knew him. RIP my friend and when it’s time we will meet again! Love you my friend

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Judy Alexander posted a condolence

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Theater is what brought us together. We met in high school and bonded over our love of theater and comedy, telling jokes, doing impersonations (he usually Charles Nelson Reilly, me usually his favorite - Lucille Ball). We acted in several shows together, and spent a lot of time in rehearsal, and afterwards at the diner, poaching everyone's French Fries, and drinking Tab. His kindness is what I'll always remember. That, and his wonderful laugh. Coincidentally enough, the first play we did together was Enter Laughing, which was based on a semi-autobiographical novel by Carl Reiner, who just passed away too. I'm sure they're up there, writing a comedy review, and making all the angels laugh. Rest in peace, old friend.

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Susan Epstein uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Gary and I met in our junior year of high school when he moved to Long Beach in 1973. We instantly bonded over passion for theatre. We were fortunate enough to work on two shows together. Our daily lunches involved sharing French fries, laughter and confidences and dreams. I ended up graduating a year early and we lost touch for about 30 years until a most fortuitous day when I mysteriously received his mail. He still lived in Long Beach and I in Lido Beach. I was beyond excited when I was able to contact him. This meeting ended up to be a three hour joyful reunion at my home upon his retrieving the magical letter which brought us back together. I saw him in Hairspray and Cabaret amongst other plays he did. I will forever miss his talent, kindness and laughter that brought joy to so many. My deepest condolences go out to all of his family and friends. RIP dear friend...❤️Susan

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wendy scatorchio uploaded photo(s)

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

My beloved childhood friend Gary, my little kid brother-you were soooo loved by so MANY, you touched so MANY lives, in so MANY different walks of life, and you did not even realize what your loss would do to ALL of us. You were ALWAYS looking to entertain us, even at that young age with your Jerry Mahoney and Knucklehead puppets. Even at that early age you loved to make us laugh. Scott told me you still had those puppets and tonight your sister found them in a box. That made me so VERY happy. I can't wait to see them, almost 60 years old now. My memories of our childhood are still so vivid of you first running around in your diaper, and then how you trailed behind us to play with us as you got older. We weren't always nice, we sometimes made you cry. My memories of us going to the movies, playing with your German Sheperd Lucky-so MANY to keep close to my heart. You continued to make thousands laugh thru your unbelievable talent during your many stage productions. I am so glad and grateful we can see them-You will NEVER be forgotten by ALL of us ! You grew into a funny, loving, kind man with a heart of gold. Wherever you are Gary I hope you keep them laughing-our hearts are crying and empty now. One day I know we will all laugh again, but now it's hard for us to do that. R.I.P. Gary, your sister Linda, brother in law Steve, niece Sara and nephew Matthew were blessed to have you-as we ALL were. Till we meet again...Love Wendy.

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Susan Epstein Posted Jul 1, 2020 at 11:47 AM

So touching and beautiful Wendy...❤️

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The family of Gary S. Milenko uploaded a photo

Saturday, June 27, 2020

Gary S. Milenko

1957 - 2020

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Jerusalem Avenue | Massapequa, NY 11758 | Phone: (516) 541-8070 | Fax: (516) 541-6186