Gary PITTMAN Obituary

Mar 19, 2026

Gary Dale Pittman, age 91, died on March 19, 2026, after a short illness. His final hours were spent in the presence of family, friends, and the loving staff of the Wake Robin Retirement Community in Shelburne, Vermont.

Gary was born to Carl and Doris (Thayer) Pittman on October 11, 1934. Raised on the family farm in Waverly, Washington, his childhood was rich in nature, imagination, hard work, and special relationships. After a failed start at college, he enlisted in the Army, where he learned to appreciate other races and cultures. In 1956, shortly before mustering out, he met Donna White at a dance in Davers, Massachusetts, on a 5-cent bet. They were married in June and have lived a love story spanning 70 years. Three children joined the family one after the other, instilling in him "a strong case of responsibility" from which he never recovered.

He returned to Washington State University, graduating in metallurgy in 1958. After jobs in Minnesota, Maine, and New York, he moved his family to Vermont, where he worked at the IBM Essex Junction plant as an engineer for the rest of his career. During his tenure, he earned a master's degree in electrical engineering. IBM recognized his extraordinary cross-cultural skills by sending him on international missions that included China, Armenia, and France, experiences he treasured.

His retirement years were rich in travel and adventure with his beloved wife and included zip lining through the Costa Rican jungle, exploring the Galapagos, visiting our AFS family in Argentina, and hiking Machu Picchu. He developed his long-standing interest in woodworking and became well known for his original designs and finely crafted furniture. Two years before his passing, he surprised us all by starting to write memoirs, extraordinary in their detail and emotion, now a treasured legacy.

Gary was a dedicated family and community man. He was a champion of environmental causes and served on multiple boards, volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and Driving for Cancer. He always stepped up to support his children and grandchildren in their life endeavors.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Donna White Pittman, Wake Robin. Brother Cory Pittman, Fairfield, WA. Children: Diane (Larry Krantz), Bemidji, MN, AFS son, Guillermo Placci (Sandra) of Argentina, and daughter-in-law, Cindy Pittmann. Grandchildren: Janelle Martin (Tracy), Amanda Pittmann (Jeremey), Boise, ID, and Misty Bray, Bemidji. Great-grandchildren: Oliver and Henley.

He joins in death and new life, beloved grandson, Kevin Pittmann; and children: Craig (Zobeewa) Pittmann and Gypsy Carr (Linda).

Memorial service is 11 AM Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Ascension Lutheran Church in South Burlington. Dress is casual. Wear your L.L.Bean. Food will be served. Service will be live-streamed and archived at https://alcvt.org.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Nature Conservancy or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.