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1940
2016
Gary James Anderson was born Sept. 23, 1940, in St. Marys, Pennsylvania. He died suddenly on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016, at age 75 from complications related to congestive heart failure.
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, whom 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 long time genealogist who was in the midst of writing a book on his family history, he was also one of the founders of the Butler Genealogical Society. He enjoyed bicycling (Rails to Trails), watching sporting events, and going to the theater.
Gary enjoyed helping others and was an avid volunteer, especially for his 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, Florida and Mrs. Amy Baxter and her husband John of Gibsonia. Gary also leaves behind five grandchildren that 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, New York and Brenda Saricks and her husband Joe of DuBois, Pennsylvania as well as six nieces and eight nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Sara Borland; his father, James L. Anderson; and his step-father, J. Hobart-Borland.
Following cremation, there will be a Celebration of Life, Friday, Sept. 16, 2016 at Hill United Presbyterian Church, 501 2nd Street, Butler, Pa. Family and friends will be received from 3 to 6 p.m. with a service to follow at 6 p.m. Gary's signature every-day 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 Street, Butler, PA 16001, the Hill United Presbyterian Church's Carol Swank Youth Education Fund, 501 2nd Street, Butler, PA or Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, P.O. Box 567, Kanab, UT.
Arrangements are being handled by Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, Inc, 124 East North Street, Butler, PA 16001
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dale,
Thinking of you today as I read of Gary's wonderful life. He gave so much to so many. He had it all, including the love of his life.
God bless you and your family.
Bud 59'
Bud Sober 59'
September 6, 2021
To Dale and Daughters: I am sorry to have missed Gary's service; would have liked to give you all a hug. Gary always made me laugh because he always laughed. wishing you peace in your loving memories, Wilma west
wilma west
September 23, 2016
Dale and family, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family. Gary was one of the finest people that I have been privleged to know in my lifetime. He was a great teacher and friend and he made a difference. God Bless. Russell Bicker and family
Russell Bicker
September 19, 2016
You have our deepest sympathy, Dale and daughters. Jeannie and I enjoyed Gary very much. He was one of the best teachers we ever knew. When we walked by his open door classroom , his students were so focused on the lesson.
George Cassioli
September 16, 2016
Amy & John and Family, Don and I were saddened to hear of the passing of your dad. It is so very hard to lose a parent. God will give you peace in knowing that your dad is in Heaven. Memories are so important when dealing with loss. From what I read in your dad's obituary, he made and contributed to so many great memories with his family that you will have to cherish forever. God bless! Don, Vicki & Alyssa Dietz
Don & Vicki Dietz
September 16, 2016
Gary and I were best friends, both growing up on S. Main St. In DuBois, living about a half mile apart. We spent many Saturdays watching movies at the Avenue Theater, camping out together, and hanging out, and attending school together. I knew his mom, Sally, Hobby, and even his grandparents, who lived with Gary, Sally, and Gail. I have many fond memories of him, and our childhood. I regret that we didn't meet after our school years.
Vern Wilson
September 15, 2016
I had Mr. Anderson for 7th grade history. Great great teacher. If you can recall your history teacher from 30+ years ago, it means he was darn good. We always talked sports with him, and remember that year, we bet him a bag of M&M's on who would win the NBA Championship. Of course, I can't remember who won the bet, but he was good at connecting with kids. Good man, and will be missed.
Mark Maier
September 15, 2016
Dale, Jill, Joy and Amy,
I tell my children all the time what a wonderful man Gary was and that he was my favorite teacher ever! I loved running into you last year when I was in Butler, and Gary made me laugh heartily as he greeted my by the nickname he gave me back in Jr. High--"Larry"! He will be missed by many. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Lorelee (Shaulis) Campbell
aka LarryLee
Lorelee Campbell
September 15, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Rita Andolina (Broniszewski Family Friend)
September 15, 2016
I was saddened to read of Gary's passing and knowing the hurt that you and your family have at this difficult time. May he rest in peace and may God grant you comfort in the days ahead.
Peace be with you.
Bud Sober 59'
Bud Sober
September 15, 2016
Sending love and hugs to a beautiful family.
Prayers from our family to yours. With hearts full of sympathy ♡
Mark, Joanne Heine and family
September 15, 2016
I had Mr. Anderson for advanced 8th grade history. He was so much fun and made class interesting. His obituary describes him perfect. I was so lucky to have him as a teacher.
Melanie Fennell Scheid
September 15, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
JF
September 15, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
JF
September 15, 2016
Gary was always a bright spot in the day when he would visit the Library. He was a delightful patron and fellow genealogist.
Luanne Eiselr
September 14, 2016
Our prayers are with you, Dale. Your Chestnut Grove neighbors David and Margie Carey.
David & Margie Carey
September 14, 2016
Thinking about you during this sad time. Hoping all the wonderful memories you have help to make your heart smile. He was a wonderful man!
Wanda Swift
September 13, 2016
I was so sorry to learn of Gary's passing. He was such a nice person. He had a infectious smile, a great sense of humor and a big heart. I am so very sorry Dale for your loss. I'll keep you and yours in my prayers. Donna Steinheiser.
Donna Steinheiser
September 13, 2016
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