Gary Jules Lehman

The son of Charles and Mildred Lehman. His parents met in Florida although they were both New Yorkers. They spent their early married years in New York City but eventually they moved to Florida due to his father’s health. Gary grew up the much younger brother of Bernard Irving Lehman and went to Taft High school in the Bronx. On a trip to Far-Rock-Away Beach a beautiful young woman named Debbie caught his eye. They crossed paths later at a party and soon began dating. They were married Dec 24, 1967. Early in his life he was blessed to become a father to Sheri and then Aaron. This was a magical gift for him and whenever he spoke to or of his kids, a twinkle would appear in his eyes and his face would light up. Although Debbie and Gary would go in different directions with Gary moving to Florida and Debbie remaining up north, he would make sure to spend time with them.

Gary moved on from his early work as a salesman and went back to school to become a police officer for the City of Miami Beach. Gary worked as a beat cop and had the opportunity to work in the vice unit. My mom would always say “who would have thought that cute face would become a cop?”. Gary worked in undercover cases, worked off-duty on television and move shoots and made fast friends. His second act also blessed him with a new love in his life and two additional children Leandra and myself. While working as a police officer in his first year after graduation his fellow Officer John Sally introduced Gary to his John’s Wife’s friend. They shared similar backgrounds and hit it off immediately, or so my mom thought. After their first date, Gary brought my mom back home and said he was going to the store to pick up a pack of cigarettes and would be right back. He never came back that night. He eventually made his way back to next day, and after some serious explaining (he got lost) they were together ever since. After celebrating their wedding on July 2, 1982, they were able to share the last 37 years together.

Gary was also blessed to know his time was coming to a close. He had a blast passing out candy at this past Halloween. He made his final medical decisions, planned his funeral arrangements, and he called friends and family and told them how much he loved them.