Gary Dillistin passed away peacefully on August 16, 2024, with his loving wife Nellie by his side. Born in Bridgeport, CT on December 9, 1948, Gary lived his life dedicated to his communities, friends, and family. After spending his teenage years in Tucson, AZ, Gary joined the Navy after graduating high school. He settled in Norfolk, VA, where he met the love of his life Nellie. Together they embarked on his career as a firefighter and welcomed their daughter Tisha. Gary and his family soon moved back to Tucson, where he continued as a firefighter with the City of Tucson Fire Department.

A beloved friend to everyone he met, Gary showed his love in so many ways. He was a talented snow-skier, thrift-shopper, carpenter, and handyman, and passed on his knowledge to so many. From making sure Tisha and her friends knew how to change a tire, to sending his grandkids out with detailed maps for their adventures, Gary always found a detail-oriented way to show how much he loved you. His heart was so big and so kind - if Gary knew you, he truly cared about you with absolutely no judgments passed, and you felt it.

Gary loved nothing more than his family: Nellie, his wife of 52 years, Tisha, his son-in-law Ernie, and his grandchildren. He was so proud of them, and loved cheering them on while they played sports - even if it meant traveling across the country to do so. Like the great Pop he was, he would bend over backwards to put a smile on their faces.

Gary will be greatly missed and remembered with love. He is preceded in death by his parents Will and Margeret Dillistin and his brother Glenn. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nellie, daughter Tisha (Ernie), grandchildren Anthony, Arianna, and Dominic, and brother Mark (Linda).

Services will be held August 27th at 2pm at Carrillo's Tucson Mortuary with a Celebration of Life to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Tucson Fire Fighters Association.