Gary E. Dobson

1948 - 2024

Gary E. Dobson, 75, of Cranberry Township, passed away on Thursday morning, March 28, 2024, at Kane Regional Nursing Center in Ross Township.
Born in Punxsutawney on April 1, 1948, he was the son of Willavene Shaffer Dobson and the late Jimmy Dobson.
Gary took great pride in his work at Penn Telecom and North Pittsburgh Telephone Co., now Consolidated Communications. During his more than 40 years with the company, he advanced through various positions including lineman, phone system installer, repairman and cable splicer. His colleagues remember him as an incredibly knowledgeable mentor and a deeply loyal friend.
Gary was a father, husband and grandfather. He had a sarcastic, deadpan sense of humor that made his family and friends laugh. His jokes and commentary will be missed.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman. His grandfather taught him how to fish, and Gary shared his passion for fishing with his children. He was always happy to share his knowledge and guidance with anyone he encountered while fishing along the lakeshore or creek. He enjoyed fishing at Pymatuning Lake, Slippery Rock Creek and the old Hereford Manor Lake.
Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Rita M. Huber Dobson, whom he married on Aug. 5, 1978; a son, Adam Dobson of Portland, Ore.; a daughter, Dana Brown (Luke) of Butler; a grandson, Noah Dobson; his mother, Willavene Dobson of Scottsdale, Ariz.; two sisters, Sheila Henry (John) of Scottsdale, Ariz. and Rhonda McGuirk (Rick) of Lynden, Wash.; an uncle, James Shaffer of Punxsutawney; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jimmy Dobson, in 2006; and his daughter, Mandrea A. Dobson, in 2016.
DOBSON - Friends of Gary E. Dobson, who died Thursday, March 28, 2024, will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday at MCDONALD-AEBERLI FUNERAL HOME, 238 Crowe Ave., Mars. Closing prayers will follow at 7:30 p.m.
Memorials may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o Divine Grace Parish, St. Gregory's Church, 2 West Beaver St., Zelienople, PA 16063.
Directions and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.