Gary L. Anderson

Gary L. Anderson (84), devoted husband and father, passed away on October 1, 2023 after a long, courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease.  He is survived by his beloved high school sweetheart and wife of 65 years, Elizabeth, his two cherished daughters, Dr. Maureen Anderson and Kathleen Gustafson (Harry), and his four wonderful grandchildren, Melia and Carina Barnes, Garion Dran (fiancée Erika Koman), and Jared Gustafson. Gary can best be described as a fierce protector of those he loved and an extremely loyal friend. 

Gary graduated from Aliquippa High School in 1958 and served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1958-1962, where he was a Radio Relay Operator and Rifle Expert until his honorable discharge at the rank of Lance Corporal on July 18, 1961. He then served an additional year in the Marine Corps Reserves.  

Gary was employed at J & L Steel for many years and trained as an Electrician through the apprentice program, attaining Master Electrician certification. He attended Geneva College while working at J & L. After the mill closed, Gary worked at LTV Steel and Duquesne Light until his retirement. 

Gary loved the outdoors.  Whether it be hunting, fishing, hiking, gardening, or physical fitness, he was happiest when he was outside.  He spent many days hunting ducks and groundhogs with his dogs, Peppermint Patty and Jaggers. He was often joined in this passion by a few close friends and family members, Samuel Anderson (brother), David Fulton (brother-in-law), Larry Chamberlain, and Joseph Scott.  

Gary was ahead of his time and a visionary in many ways.  He believed in  total organic gardening, health and fitness regimes, loving and preserving  nature, taking pride in his Native American heritage, and empowering his daughters by ensuring them an education and instilling in them an inner strength and fortitude.  

In addition to his immediate family, Gary leaves behind an extended family who also brought him many hours of joy with their unconditional love.  Judy and Dave Fulton and their daughters, Dr. Jody Fulton-Telesco and Dr. Richard Telesco and their four beautiful children, Annabel, Reed, David, and Samuel; Carrie and Christopher Miller and their two beautiful children, Camden and Cora;  Ronald Reynolds (Marge) and their five daughters and their families; Daniel Reynolds (Christine) and their son and family; Samuel Anderson (Paula) and their family; and Mary Rapkin (Keith) and their son.  

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, October 9 at Darroch’s Funeral Home in Aliquippa.  Friends and family will be received from 12:00-1:00 p.m.  A religious service will be conducted by Father Doug Boyd at the funeral home at 1:00 p.m.  

Gary was an avid reader and enjoyed this pastime with his family, who spent many happy hours at B. F. Jones Memorial Library in Aliquippa.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to this library in his memory.  

B.F. Jones Memorial Library: 663 Franklin Avenue, Aliquippa, PA 15001

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