Max Gassman

Max was the beloved son and only child of Mike Gassman and Lani May-Gassman; cherished grandson of Aviva May and the late Stanley May, Irving Gassman and Charlotte Izenman (Block); treasured nephew of Roberta (Lester Pines) Gassman, Steven Gassman, Alan May, Risa (Brad) McPherson and the late Chelley Mosoff; longtime boyfriend of Amanda Prouty; loving cousin of Adam Mosoff, Sarah Van Nostrand, Jonathan Mosoff, Elizabeth May, Anna Gassman-Pines and Jenny Gassman-Pines; and friend of many.

To all who knew him, Max was cherished as tender-hearted, a sweetheart, one who cared deeply about others, a devoted son, friend and co-worker with a heart of gold, a quality person who showed extraordinary interpersonal skills and sensitivity for others. He lit up a room with his presence, reaching out to everyone. Max always put others first and was known as the ultimate “mensch,” the Yiddish term for a person of integrity and honor.

Max brought his loving parents much joy and happiness. Their loss is beyond words. They saw Max as their best friend and loved spending time with him. They could always count on him. They, as did all other members of the family, viewed him as the bridge-builder, the peace-maker, the leader if any family relationship needed any special attention, advocacy, care and love.

At previous workplaces, Ken’s Diner and Sandwich Club, customers loved Max and always felt welcome. Most recently, as a Customer Service Representative at Abt Electronics, he made many friends and was known particularly for reaching out to everyone when he walked into the cafeteria.

Music was important to Max, all kinds. He taught himself to play piano and guitar. He wrote his own spoken word poetry, rap and music, art forms he loved. He was tolerant and loving of all, no matter the color of their skin or background. It upset him deeply if others did not share these core values. He also had a passion for sports, particularly golf, which, like his father, he was quite good at, and basketball.

Max will be missed by many. May his memory be a blessing and a source of comfort and inspiration to all during this challenging time.

Funeral service will be Monday, July 22, 10:00am, at Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home, 111 Skokie Blvd, Wilmette. Interment will follow nearby at Memorial Park Cemetery, 9900 Gross Point Road, Skokie. Shiva will be observed at Mike and Lani’s home, 8856 N. Ewing, Evanston, 60204, on Monday, from 1:30 to 7pm and on Tuesday, from 5 to 8pm.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Max, contributions to the following organizations may be made:

-The National Pancreas Foundation, www.pancreasfoundation.org, to advance research, advocacy and improved therapies for fighting and treating what can be a very dangerous disease, pancreatitis, and related disorders;

-Storycatchers Theatre, www.storycatcherstheatreorg, a Chicago non-profit that works with youth in the juvenile justice system to break the cycle of incarceration and help young people transform their lives through story-telling and musical theatre.