Cantor Gary Gelender, 67, left us too soon on Thursday, May 30th. Gary was born in Cleveland to the late Robert and Sara (Levine) Gelender. Gary is survived by his daughters, Beth (Sara) Gelender and Marissa (Marcus) Greene, Devoted grandfather of Anna and Sara Greene and Eli Gelender. Cherished brother of Mark Gelender (Karen -deceased), Jeffrey Gelender, and Lori Wahba. Beloved uncle of Shayna (Clare), Jake (Jill), and Amanda Gelender, and Candace Wahba; his great nephew Frankie Gelender.
Gary spent most of his life in the East side of Cleveland suburbs. He graduated from Cleveland Heights High School, then received his music education degree from Kent State University, and finally his Masters in Voice from Cleveland State University. Gary was an elementary school music teacher in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District and served as the Cantor for Shaarey Tikvah and Congregation Shir Shalom, and Associate Cantor at B’nai Jeshurun.
He trained for the Cantorate by studying privately with Cantor Saul Meisels and Yehuda Shifman. Gary was an extremely gifted vocalist and pianist. He had perfect pitch and started playing by note as a child. He was as dedicated to his family as much as his career. After retiring, Gary continued entertaining various nursing homes in the community. Gary will be truly missed by his family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Hospice of the Western Reserve or The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation in honor of his memory. Private services were held at the Mt. Olive Cemetery
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