"Dr. Gary Hamamoto, a renowned and deeply respected general surgeon in the Baltimore area, passed away on August 11, 2026, at his home in Timonium, surrounded by those he loved.

Gary was born on February 5, 1953, in Stockton, California, to Ben and Susie Hamamoto. Raised alongside his brother, Gene, in a family of modest means, Gary distinguished himself from an early age through a combination of intelligence, determination, athleticism, and an easygoing nature that would remain with him throughout his life. He excelled both academically and athletically, pitching for his high school baseball team and competing as a swimmer in the breaststroke.

Gary attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he studied biochemistry and was an active member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He went on to earn his medical degree from Chicago Medical School, after being accepted into the school's accelerated three-year medical program.

In 1979, Gary arrived in Baltimore to begin his surgical residency at Sinai Hospital. He quickly distinguished himself as one of the brightest and most talented surgeons in his class and was ultimately selected to serve as chief resident in his fifth year. After becoming board certified in general surgery, he remained at Sinai for several years before joining the highly regarded surgical practice of Drs. Mark Gann, Michael Schultz, and Marc Gertner in Owings Mills.

Over the course of a career spanning more than four decades, Gary became one of the Baltimore region's most respected general surgeons. An early adopter and pioneer of minimally invasive and laparoscopic surgery, he later joined LifeBridge Health and became Director of the Laparoscopic Surgery Program at Northwest Hospital. Never one to stop learning or evolving as a surgeon, he later embraced robotic surgery and became one of the region's busiest and most highly regarded robotic surgeons. Remarkably, he remained actively engaged in caring for his patients until his passing.

For all of his professional accomplishments, Gary never defined himself by titles or accolades. To generations of patients, he was simply the doctor they trusted. He possessed a rare combination of exceptional surgical skill, sound judgment, compassion, and genuine kindness. He listened, cared, and treated his patients like they were his own family. Those qualities earned him not only the admiration of his colleagues throughout the Baltimore medical community, but also the enduring gratitude and loyalty of countless patients and families.

Away from the operating room, Gary was down to earth and knew how to enjoy life. He loved golf, fishing, good food, traveling the world, and above all, spending time with the people closest to him. Despite all that he accomplished, he never took himself too seriously. He had a fun-loving spirit and an ability to make those around him feel comfortable and at ease. His professional life may have been defined by extraordinary skill and dedication, but those who knew him best will remember his generosity, humility, laughter, and the genuine pleasure he took in sharing life with family and friends.

Gary is survived by his wife, Liz; his son, Chris; his stepdaughters, Alex and Madeline; his daughter-in-law, Jess; and his three granddaughters, who brought him tremendous joy. He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, not only in the thousands of lives he touched and healed as a surgeon, but in the family, friendships, and community he cherished throughout his life.

Gary accomplished much in his 73 years, but his greatest legacy is being exceptionally good at what he did, deeply devoted to the people he loved, and someone whose warmth, humor, and humanity made life better for those fortunate enough to know him.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held at Hayfields Country Club in Hunt Valley on Friday, August 28 from 5pm to 8pm.