Obituary of Stewart I. Calisoff

Stewart Israel Calisoff husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away at the age of 83 on March 15, 2021 in Sarasota, Florida.  Stewart was born on May 31, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois to Edith Lessenger and Maurice Calisoff. He grew up in Evanston, Illinois and attended Northwestern University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business. Throughout college, Stewart served in the Army Reserve where he was deployed to Germany for six months. After college graduation, Stewart worked in the automotive industry where his passion for cars continued to grow. He later relocated to New Jersey where met his future wife Gail. They married on May 29, 1966. Stewart had the surprise of his life when his twin daughters were born on November 10, 1972. Gail and Stewart had been told their child would be a boy! Stewart raised his family in New City, New York. He was a volunteer member of the New City Ambulance Corp. He was President of the Palisades Park Lions Club, a 32^nd degree Mason as well as a Shriner.  In 1980, Stewart started Calisoff Sales Corporation. He was a manufacturers representative for air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, and cooling for thirty years. Stewart retired to Lakewood Ranch, Florida in 2008. He was an avid collector of model cars and loved his Siamese cats. Stewart was a big sports fan who cheered for the New York Yankees, Chicago Bears, Blackhawks and the New York Giants. Stewart enjoyed traveling, dining, and spending time with friends and family. Stewart is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gail (Leichter), his daughter Marcy Friedman, son in law Matt Friedman, daughter Wendy Greenwald, his grandchildren Brett, Perry, Brady, Molly, his brother Gilbert, sister in law Barbara, brother in law Paul Leichter, as well as several nieces and nephews. The last few months of Stewart’s life we spent at Aviva Benderson Rehabilitation Facility. The staff at Aviva were extremely caring and loving to Stewart. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Benderson Employee Appreciation Fund at 1959 North Honore Avenue, Sarasota, Florida 34235.

The care of Mr. Calisoff and his family has been entrusted to David C. Gross Funeral Home.