Gary James Anderson

1940 - 2016

Gary James Anderson, 75, of Butler died suddenly Sunday from complications related to congestive heart failure.
Born Sept. 23, 1940, in St. Mary's, Pa., he was the son of the late James and Sara Anderson and is survived by his college sweetheart and loving wife of 54 years, Nancy Dale Stitt Anderson, who he married Nov. 11, 1961.
He was a 1958 graduate of DuBois High School and a 1962 graduate of Clarion State College.
Gary taught speech and American history for 36 years at the Butler Junior High School. He believed in making history come alive for his students. Known for his wit and tremendous sense of humor, "Mr. Anderson" was a staple of the yellow brick building for many years. Simply put, he was a born teacher who loved his profession.
Gary, a better-than-average golfer, was a member of the Triple S golf league for many years. He had many other interests. A longtime genealogist who was in the midst of writing a book on his family history, he also was one of the founders of the Butler Genealogical Society. He enjoyed bicycling, especially Rails to Trails; watching sporting events; and going to the theater.
Gary enjoyed helping others and was an avid volunteer, especially for his church, Hill United Presbyterian Church. For many years, he planned and helped with his church's community dinner and Senior Night Out. He was also an elder and sang in the choir.
Gary volunteered for many years at Butler Memorial Hospital. A real "people person" he especially enjoyed the Ambassador Program, where he could interact with the patients.
He and his wife, Dale, loved traveling and visited China, Thailand, Central America and most of the European countries. The two of them had been to most of the states and national parks. Many of their trips were made with their beloved grandchildren.
Anyone who knew Gary knew that he had a unique sense of humor. He was especially fond of writing funny letters with the sole intention of making people laugh. He was truly the king of satire, something his daughters learned early in life. They can all fondly recall his practical jokes and elaborate pranks.
Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Jill Williams and her husband, Mark, Mrs. Joy Ostaffe and her husband, Jay, both of West Palm Beach, Fla., and Mrs. Amy Baxter and her husband, John, of Gibsonia. Gary also leaves behind five grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as "Pop," Brent DeFillippo and his wife, Madison, Lara and Chloe Williams and Hunter and Maren Baxter. He also leaves behind two sisters, Gail Broniszewski and her husband, Wally, of North Tonawanda, N.Y., and Brenda Saricks and her husband, Joe, of DuBois; six nieces; and eight nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Sara Borland; his father, James L. Anderson; and his stepfather, J. Hobart-Borland.
ANDERSON - Following the cremation of Gary James Anderson, who died Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, there will be a celebration of life from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday at Hill United Presbyterian Church, 501 2nd St., Butler, with a service to follow at 6 p.m.
Gary's signature everyday look was always one of his many T-shirts, collected from around the world. To that end, the family asks that you please wear your favorite T-shirt as Gary would not want his celebration of life to be a formal occasion.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Butler Ambulance Service, 106 1st St., Butler, PA 16001; the Hill United Presbyterian Church's Carol Swank Youth Education Fund, 501 2nd St., Butler, PA; or Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, P.O, Box 567, Kanab, UT.
Arrangements are being handled by the Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, 124 E. North St., Butler.