Gary Francis Dee

Gary Francis Dee, 81, of Shippenville, passed away Tuesday, September 17th, 2024 at Shippenville Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center.

Gary was born in the family farmhouse in Turkey City on Thanksgiving, November 26th, 1942 to John L. Dee and Martha E. (Shoup) Dee.

Gary attended primary school in Saint Petersburg and graduated from Emlenton High School in 1961. He later attended Penn State-Dubois for Civil Engineering. He began working for Richland Township before beginning his nearly 40-year career with PennDOT, and served as project manager on bridge construction sites. He also served as Supervisor for Paint Township.

On January 24, 1965, he married the former Paula Fair of Steubenville, Ohio.

Gary's love of cars began early in life, with his first spoken word reportedly being "car." He enjoyed working on his own vehicles and was an avid Indy Car and Formula One racing enthusiast, having attended races at Watkins Glen, his favorite track, Mid-Ohio, and the Indianapolis 500 numerous times.

He was also a history buff; with special interest in military planes and space travel, the Civil War, and the D-Day invasion of Normandy, where his father had served. He was also a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He was a lifetime member of the Zem Zem Shriners, Parker Allegheny Canby Masonic Lodge # 521 F&AM, and the Coudersport Consistory.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Kenneth J. Dee. He is survived by his wife Paula Dee, his daughter Kristine Dee, both of Shippenville, and his son Jonathan Dee of Portland, OR.

The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Shippenville Healthcare, especially the dementia unit staff for their thoughtful care of Gary through his decline. He greatly appreciated their help.

Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home Inc., 802 Grove St., St. Petersburg, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Friday, September 20. A Blessing Service will follow at 1 p.m. from the funeral home with the Very Rev. V. David Foradori, E.V., pastor of St. Michael The Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Emlenton, officiating. Members of Parker Allegheny Canby Masonic Lodge will conduct a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.  The interment will be at Emlenton Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner's Children's Hospital of Erie or the Parkinson's Foundation.  Condolences may be sent by visiting www.hilefh.com.