Gary Cuthbertson

Gary Cuthbertson, age 78, died at home on March 5, 2025 after a quietly courageous battle with chronic illness. A man of few words, many snacks, and countless gadgets, Gary amazed us with his intuitive understanding of the quirky gifts that would both entertain the youngest family members and tap into the child in the rest of us. He doted on his grandchildren, seeing them all grow from babies at baptism through graduations at all levels. He transformed every holiday into Christmas with surprise presents, raffles, glow sticks and puzzles, spoiling the kids. He gave of himself generously, without fanfare. He captured family memories over thirty years with more photos than any of us can count or catalogue-except Gary, because he preserved them all, updating our digital collections in the latest storage formats. And he always sent flowers. Wise man.
Gary was born in Newark, attended Woodbridge High School, completed multiple technical training programs, and served honorably in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in Oklahoma and Korea, where his competence and quiet demeanor earned him a high-level security clearance, and he was entrusted with missile repairs. He continued to use his technological expertise during his many years working as a Senior Customer Engineer for IBM. Retirement allowed him to indulge in over-the-top science-fiction movies from his big comfy chair.
Gary is survived by his loving wife Patricia Sabo Cuthbertson; his step-daughters Laura Yustak, Beth Williams and husband Robb, Kathleen Winters and husband Bill, and Katherine Yustak; his grandchildren Alex, Sarah, Julia, Jacob, John, Ava, and Jackson; his brother Ronnie Cuthbertson; dear friends; and canine companion Lily. We remain awed by his silent strength. He was predeceased by his first wife Anita Wasilek Cuthbertson and parents Bill and Helen Cuthbertson.
Many thanks to Josef, dear neighbor and master of the recalcitrant gate; the DaVita Dialysis Center in Woodbridge, for their years of caring for Gary; the VNA/RWJ Hospice Team, who jumped in and identified Gary's and our needs quickly and compassionately; and special thanks to Vincent, a truly Amazing Caregiver.
A Parastas service will be held on Saturday, March 8, at 10:00 am, St. Elias Byzantine Catholic Church in Carteret, followed by burial at St. Gertrude's Cemetery in Colonia. Visitation will be at St. Elias prior to the service, beginning at 9:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Elias Byzantine Catholic Church, 42 Cooke Ave., Carteret, N.J. 07008.