Gary D. Pailthorp

Gary was born in 1942 in Bertha, Minnesota, to Marjorie and Ross Pailthorp. Soon after his birth, the family relocated to Milwaukie, Oregon, where he was raised. He attended Milwaukie High School and graduated as a proud Mustang, playing center and tackle on the football team all four years.

After high school, Gary enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his service, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Wyoming in 1972. His final assignment brought him to MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, where he ultimately chose to settle. Gary retired from the Air Force in 1984 with the rank of Captain, after 20 years of dedicated service.

Following his military career, Gary worked for several engineering firms in the Tampa area. During this time, he completed the required examinations and earned his designation as a Florida Certified Professional Engineer. In 1988, he joined Hillsborough County Government in the Planning and Growth Management/Development Services Department, where he served the community for 18 years before retiring.

True to his energetic nature, Gary was not quite ready to slow down. In 2006, he joined WB Bracken Engineering, where he worked until his final retirement in 2012.

In retirement, Gary fulfilled a long-held dream by purchasing a 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk, the same model he had owned as a teenager. He had fond memories of working on that car with his father when he was young, and restoring and maintaining the Studebaker allowed him to relive those cherished moments. He enjoyed driving it to local car shows and sharing stories about the car and his dad.

Gary loved sports and became a devoted Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan when the family moved to Tampa in 1979. He held season tickets for many years and rarely missed a home game. His passion for Tampa sports continued with the Tampa Bay Lightning—he attended their inaugural game in 1992, held season tickets for many years, and remained a loyal fan throughout his life.

Gary married Janet Pailthorp, the love of his life, in 1990. She survives him. For more than 35 years, they shared a life filled with companionship, laughter, and quiet moments simply enjoying being together. They were truly a perfectly paired duo, and Janet will miss his presence dearly.

Gary is also survived by his brother Keith Pailthorp and partner Alice; son Scott Pailthorp and partner Alice; daughter Michelle Benningfield and partner Loren “Larry”; son Marc Pailthorp; daughter Lynne Mastervich; and grandchildren Devin, Madison, and Mason.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ross and Marjorie Pailthorp; brothers Richard “Dick” Pailthorp and partner Eleanor, and Robert “Bob” Pailthorp and partner Dorothy “Dot”; and his late wife Wanda Pailthorp.

Gary will be laid to rest at Florida National Cemetery. Military Honors will take place at 10:30am on Friday, March 27th at the Florida National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in support of Angels Unaware, Inc., 4918 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa, FL 33624.

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Remembrances from Family:

Gary (Dad) was well liked by coworkers, friends, and neighbors. It seemed that every time we went out he would get stopped by an acquaintance and they would always take the time to mention what a great guy he was.

As a father, he always went out of his way to make sure that if there was something we wanted to do or be a part of, he did everything he could do to help make it happen. He rarely, if ever, said no.

— Scott Pailthorp, son

Growing up, I was “Daddy’s little girl.” In my eyes, he was larger than life—my hero. My father used to tell me, “I don’t care where you are the other 364 days of the year, but on Christmas you will be here.” I kept that promise every year. But oh my… next year is going to be so hard.

Until we meet again.

Love you, big guy.

— Michelle “Mikki” Benningfield, daughter