Gary Paul Kalisz was born on Saturday, October 29, 1960 to to the late Stanley J. Kalisz in Lepeer, Michigan. the youngest of 3 siblings. Gary graduated from Imlay City High School Class of 1978, having played high school football. Gary then began his life long involvement with “car work” by working in his older brother Stan’s business at Van’s “R” US. Gary was so proud of his brother’s business.
In 1981, Gary moved to South Florida and began working for Econo Auto Body at the age of 21. During his 15 years with Econo, Gary was promoted from Assistant manager to Area Supervisor. In 1983 Gary was awarded the Manager of the Year Award; Econo’s highest employee award.
In 1996, Gary opened his own business in Riviera Beach, Florida: Precision Auto Painting & Collision Center, this is the year Gary met and fell in love with Deborah Gates. Together with both of them behind the wheel Precision continued to grow, and they also started an Auto detailing business and an Auto Transport business. March 21, 1998 Gary and Debbie celebrated the birth of their son Michael.
On October 11, 2005 Gary and Debbie were married in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, this made Gary officially DAD to Debbie’s older son, Jonathan. after Gary suffered a serious accident in 2005, Precision Auto was closed in May of 2006 so Gary could recuperate from major spinal surgery. Gary continued working in the field of Paint & Body with various company’s. In September 2011, Gary found a family run business which he considered his new second home, in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
In Gary’s leisure, he loved to be outdoors; doing yard work, on the water in his Open Fisherman or on the road on his “RED” Big Dog Motorcycle. A sports fan, Gary loved to go to NASCAR races around the country with Debbie and his son’s. Gary cheered on the Detroit Lions, Tigers, Pistons and Red Wings. He enjoyed restoring “treasures” and entering car shows, Most of all, Gary loved spending time with his beloved family, in the evenings playing catch with Michael or tinkering on car projects with his son’s Jonathan and Michael or early Saturday mornings going to the green markets with his devoted and loving wife.
In November 22, 2011 Gary faced his greatest challenge with Michael’s diagnosis of cancer, the family walked Michael through many procedures and received support from the NHL Florida Panthers and Duffy’s. Gary had such appreciation for their support he was torn between routing for his beloved Red Wings or his new hero’s the NHL Florida Panthers. Gary had a new appreciation and love for his family as they enjoyed New England vacations, trips to Orlando and Florida Panther hockey games.
Gary’s life ended, Friday April 20th, 2012 after suffering a heart attack in his sleep. Gary leaves behind his Devoted and Loving wife, Debbie and their two son’s Jonathan and Michael, whom Gary deeply and dearly loved. He is also survived by, Brother Stanley Kalisz, ex sister-in-law Cheryl Kalisz and their 3 children, cousins, and birth mother. Gary will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband and DAD, a faithful employee, and a lover of life.
