Gary Culbertson

He was born Jan. 18, 1960, in Warren, Pa. Gary was the son of Kingsley Culbertson of Warren, Pa., and the late Shirley Peter-son Culbertson. Gary was a former resident of Charles-ton, 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, Calif. Gary served as an officer in the U.S. 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 Inter-national (GMTI) in Nor-folk, 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 try-ing 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 con-certs as often as he could. His greatest joy was spend-ing time with family and friends.

In addition to his father, Kingsley, Gary is survived by a sister, Crissi Winans (David) of Warren, Pa.; a brother, John Culbertson (Melinda) of Bozeman, Mont.; three nieces: Jessica Winans (Weston Miller) of Springfield, Ore., Katelyn Gilmore (Eric) of Warren, Pa., and Claire Culbertson of Bozeman, Mont.; great niece, Tiera Ann Miller; and 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 Ave., Warren, Pa.., on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, from 3-7 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

The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.