In Memoriam: Gary Zelasko, Brilliant Mighty Man of God
By Dr. Ted Baehr, Publisher
Gary Zelasko graduated on to glory on October 30, 2024, in Ponte Vedre, Florida. He was a very close friend, ally and helper of Movieguide® and especially of Robby Baehr and Ted Baehr.
Gary J. Zelasko was born on April 19, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois, to Theodore and Rosemary Zelasko. His father remarried after Rosemary’s death to Irene Leggo. He was a brother to Mark Zelasko, the late Ronald Zelasko, and Irene’s children Thea Evans, and Andrea Rojas.
Gary, a loving husband to Lisa Page Zelasko, married in 1992, and was a devoted father to his three children Bethany, Areli, and Israel. He was also a proud grandfather to his precious grandchild Zoe, more fondly known as Papa.
He attended St. Viators High School before pursuing higher education at the University of Illinois Chicago, where he graduated in 1984.
Throughout his esteemed career, Gary began in television and ended in ministry, he was a beloved colleague and role model in every workplace. His notable career included Account Executive at Blair Television, National Sales Manager at CBS TV, CEO of Luminescence Catalog which he ran with his wife Page, Director of Marketing at Harvest Christian Fellowship, Adjunct Professor of Film Studies at CBU, and President of Lasting City Marketing. Gary touched the lives of many before passing away.
At the same time, Gary helped Movieguide® and helped several other Christian ministries with their mass media outreach. He had me and Robby speak several times at California Baptist University.
Gary often could be found jamming out to his favorite tunes. He enjoyed playing his congas, in the 80’s he was a band member of Numerous Complaints where he played percussion.
He enjoyed long walks on the beach often walking miles a day, even after he lost the ability to walk he still enjoyed being pushed in his wheelchair to a scenic point.
Above all he loved spending time with his family and God, he was a devoted loving husband and father. He was a very faithful Christian and a light in this world, he embodied Matthew 5:14-16:
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Gary was an extraordinary man there are not enough words to describe the legacy he leaves behind for his family.
Gary passed away at home from complications as a result of a stroke, leaving behind cherished memories and a heritage of love.
Gary had a wonderful family who will miss him dearly, and we will miss him dearly, although I know that he’s now rejoicing in Heaven with Jesus and may even see my beloved wife Lili and our other friends who have gone on to real Glory.
