Gary W. Culbertson, 61, of Warren, PA., died Thursday morning, July 29, 2021, at UPMC Montefiore Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA., following a long battle with liver disease. He was born January 18, 1960, in Warren, PA. Gary was the son of Kingsley Culbertson of Warren, PA., and the late Shirley Peterson Culbertson. Gary was a former resident of Charleston, S.C. and Norfolk, VA. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree of science in telecommunications at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. Gary served as an officer in the United States Navy during the Persian Gulf War achieving the rank of Lieutenant Commander. His last assignment was an electronic warfare and anti-submarine officer for a seagoing Destroyer Squadron Staff. During his tenure in the U.S. Navy, he received numerous personnel and campaign medals. Gary was employed as Vice President of Gannett Media Technologies International (GMTI) in Norfolk, VA. Gary cared deeply for others. He worked at the former Camp Cornplanter and group homes when he was young and later as a peer support specialist in a mental health clinic. Gary traveled the world for work and pleasure and loved exploring other cultures, foods, and traditions. During his last year of life, he found solace in planting and tending his vegetable garden on a community plot given to him by his nieces. He recently purchased a guitar and was trying to become proficient in playing. Gary also enjoyed playing tennis, cooking, fishing, and hiking in the forest. He had a great love of music and attended concerts as often as he could. His greatest joy was spending time with family and friends.
In addition to his father, Kingsley, Gary is survived by a sister, Crissi Winans (David) of Warren, PA., and a brother, John Culbertson (Melinda) of Bozeman, Montana, 3 nieces, Jessica Winans (Weston Miller) of Springfield, Oregon, Katelyn Gilmore (Eric) of Warren, PA., Claire Culbertson of Bozeman, Montana, great niece, Tiera Ann Miller, great nephew, Grayson Gilmore.
In addition to his mother, Shirley, Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Paula Sweet Culbertson.
A Celebration of Gary’s Life will be held at the home of David and Crissi Winans, 422 W. 3rd Avenue, Warren, PA., on Saturday, August 21, 2021, from 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. Please feel free to wear your favorite band or concert tee shirt in his memory. Gary has been interred in the veteran’s section of Oakland Cemetery, Warren, PA. Those wishing to place memorials may do so to the Warren County Veterans Council Emergency Fund, 204 Fourth Avenue, Warren, PA. 16365. Those wishing to submit e-mail condolences may do so by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com <www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com/> The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
Crissi and loved ones….keeping you in my thoughts on your loss of Gary. May you find peace of mind, strength and resolve especially now.
To all of Gary’s family – I had the pleasure of working with Gary and he was such a wonderful person. He was a role model to so many people both in his military career and in his work in recent years. May you find comfort and peace at this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy to all of you. I feel so blessed to have had Gary in my life and to be able to have him as a friend. He was such a generous man and I will miss him dearly. I have a lot of fun and happy memories of times we were together. Praying for you all
So very sorry to hear we lost Gary recently. Although, I am of the belief that he walks among us as an Angel. Gary was a friend in high school, as was Paula. Some of us, like myself, lost touch for some time as we took different paths. I was fortunate to rekindle a friendship with Gary later on. He was a kind and gentle soul.
My prayers for peace and love to all who were touched by Gary.