Gary Edward Meringer's Obituary
Gary Edward Meringer passed away on December 7, 2025, leaving behind a life marked by intellectual distinction, professional integrity, unmistakable humor, and deep devotion to his family all while driving them a tad bit crazy on occasion.
Born on June 29, 1951, and raised in Syosset, New York, Gary was the son of Edward Lester Meringer and Grace Margaret Salley Meringer.
Gary graduated from Syosset High School, where his intellectual curiosity and sharp wit were already evident. A gifted student, he received academic scholarships to attend college, reflecting his early promise and discipline. He earned his undergraduate degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, graduating with the Class of 1973. He loved to recount that on his very first day at Wharton, he walked into class only for the professor to announce, “students, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Class is dismissed.” It became one of Gary’s favorite stories and a lifelong maxim—perfectly capturing both his humor and his savvy business acumen. Following his graduation from Wharton, he went on to earn an accelerated dual Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration in 1977 through Duke Law School and the Duke Fuqua School of Business. He later earned FINRA and senior Securities Series licenses, reflecting his advancement to senior executive and securities broker roles.
Throughout his career, Gary was known for his sharp intellect, principled judgment, and quiet professionalism. He approached the law with precision and integrity, earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike.
Gary began his legal career in New Orleans, practicing at respected law firms including Jones Walker LLP and McGlinchey Stafford where he represented clients in corporate, securities, financial, and civil litigation matters. Gary later transitioned into senior in-house roles with General Electric’s (GE) legal aviation division, a literal jet-setting career that took him around the world while working alongside GE’s former CEO, Jack Welch, in assisting the transformation from a largely national $14 billion business into an international $490 billion corporation. Following his tenure at GE, Gary’s keen business acumen subsequently allowed him to enter the investment banking industry, serving as General Counsel at Seaport Global Securities LLC, where he provided legal leadership in investment banking along with SEC compliance and regulatory oversight.
Gary later made his home in Hawaii, where he spent his retirement enjoying golf, swimming, and—on occasion—raising a little hell and engaging in shenanigans, living with no filters and no apologies, unburdened by others’ opinions, cheerfully irreverent, delightfully defiant, and operating well beyond the realm of concern. Though considered polarizing and ruthless at times, Gary was unwavering in his pursuit of justice for those who were indigent or otherwise disadvantaged. His legacy lives on through those who knew him, worked alongside him, and loved him.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Lester Meringer and Grace Margaret Salley Meringer; his daughter, Sally Meringer; his beloved dog, Bingo; and his cherished cat, Itty Bitty Kitty.
He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of fifteen years, Carmen Meringer; his daughters, Gracie Meringer, Rachel Meringer, and Lee Roberts; his son-in-law, Chris Roberts; his grandson, Kellan Hicks; his brother, Allen Meringer, and sister-in-law, Jewel Meringer; and his devoted son-cat, “Mr. H.”
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Southern Poverty Law Center, ACLU, or local animal shelter in Gary’s name.
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