Beloved community philanthropist Martin Gapshis dies
Sun. September 5, 2010 7:34 AM by GoPride.com News Staff
martin gapshis (left) at the center on halsted gala in may
photo credit // frank failing
Chicago, IL -
Martin Gapshis, a respected member of Chicago's business community and an unfailing supporter of the LGBT community, died unexpectedly Tuesday at 63.
An openly gay man, Gapshis was a driving force behind the creation of the Center on Halsted having helped raise $20 million for the project in Lakeview. He was honored with the Human First Award by COH during its 2010 gala in May.
"I am especially proud of the legacy Martin leaves this city in the Center on Halsted, the most comprehensive lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community center in the nation," Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley said in a statement on Thursday. "Martin possessed a passion for the arts, politics, and community involvement. He served both the city and its LGBT communities throughout most of his adult life, demonstrating a quiet commitment to improving the lives of others."
A supporter of many worthy charitable causes, Gapshis also contributed to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, the NAMES Project, the Chicago International Film Festival and number of other organizations.
For his contributions to Chicago's LGBT community, Gapshis was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2007.
Gapshis was president of Progress Printing, a 75-year old business founded by his father Stanley.
"He was a leader and role model for LGBT communities, not only for all his contributions and accomplishments, but for his ever-present humility and the depth of his kind and generous spirit," said Daley.
Martin Gapshis is survived by his sisters Nina Gapshis and Darr Gapshis and theirspouses, Frank Lemke and Ron Veltman.
An openly gay man, Gapshis was a driving force behind the creation of the Center on Halsted having helped raise $20 million for the project in Lakeview. He was honored with the Human First Award by COH during its 2010 gala in May.
"I am especially proud of the legacy Martin leaves this city in the Center on Halsted, the most comprehensive lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community center in the nation," Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley said in a statement on Thursday. "Martin possessed a passion for the arts, politics, and community involvement. He served both the city and its LGBT communities throughout most of his adult life, demonstrating a quiet commitment to improving the lives of others."
A supporter of many worthy charitable causes, Gapshis also contributed to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, the NAMES Project, the Chicago International Film Festival and number of other organizations.
For his contributions to Chicago's LGBT community, Gapshis was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2007.
Gapshis was president of Progress Printing, a 75-year old business founded by his father Stanley.
"He was a leader and role model for LGBT communities, not only for all his contributions and accomplishments, but for his ever-present humility and the depth of his kind and generous spirit," said Daley.
Martin Gapshis is survived by his sisters Nina Gapshis and Darr Gapshis and theirspouses, Frank Lemke and Ron Veltman.