Gary Michael Goldstein- Gary was born October 22 and passed on June 30th at the age of 66. Gary was a big man and everything about him was big, from his passion for his family and friends, his love of drum corps- especially the Rochester Crusaders, advocating for the Edgerton Neighborhood, to his opinions about everything. But at the end of any heated discussion, one knew that his heart was the biggest part of him and he loved deeply. Gary’s greatest love was his wife of 27 years, Donna (Formicola) Goldstein, whom he called Bella-Donna. He also had a special love for the youngest members of his family, playing Santa at holiday parties to doing magic tricks with disappearing coins. Those same tricks were often used to entertain kids on his buses as he created strong relationships with his students from his U of R after school program, as well as other bus companies that he drove for.
Gary was a talker and could strike up a conversation anywhere, and often that person became a friend by the end of the conversation. When his name came up on your cell phone, you knew 30 minutes was the minimum-but closer to an hour.
Gary was predeceased by his parents Sidney and Lorraine Goldstein, brother Douglas Alan Goldstein and brother-in-law Kenneth Bennett. Besides his wife Donna, Gary is survived by his aunt Judy (Michael) Herron, sisters, Karen Bennett, Deb (Greg) May, Doreen Lapa (James Piano), Laurie (David) Santarossa, brother-in-laws Benny (Sandra) Formicola and Bart (Patty) Formicola. Gary had numerous nieces and nephews, but was especially close and proud of his nephew Derek May.
Service will be Saturday, July 16th with calling hours from 10-12 with a service immediately following at Rochester Cremation at 1118 Long Pond Road, Rochester, NY 14626.
RIP Gary, condolences to you Donna. You are in my prayers
I’m truly sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. It’s been years years since we saw each other, because I rarely got back to Rochester, but he is and always will be a friend.
I first met him at MCC and was part of his wedding party when he married Donna. He had me try tripe at Rocky’s. That was the first and last time for me, but he loved it.
I will keep you in my thoughts Donna.
Mark Lingl
Hello Donna I’m so sorry to hear about Gary’s passing. I met Gary in the 70s when St. Joe,’s folded. He was alway kind and caring through all the years that I’ve known him. We had many conversations not always about drum corps I enjoyed our conversations and antics, joking around , laughing and even some of our disappointments together even when we got screwed with the drum corps scores I will always remember Gary with the upmost respect of who he really was.
Joe Pero’
Batavia NY
Donna and family, Please accept my sincere condolences at the passing of Gary. He was a great member of the Rochester Crusaders. Gary also brought to life the Rochester Crusader Facebook page. Many past members, as I, were able to enjoy all the hard work Gary put into it. May he rest in peace.
I’m sorry to hear the passing of Gary, My condolences to Donna, and to family. I have great memories, and he was a person you could call a TRUE FREIND. Sleep well BIG GARY.