Gary L. Doolittle

BATH – Gary L. Doolittle, 73, of Bath, was called home on December 7, 2021 after a long illness.Born on November 19, 1948 in Elmira, NY, he was the son of the late Clifford and Virginia (O’Daniels) Doolittle.He graduated from Southside High School in Elmira. In 1970, he enlisted in the US Army and served as a helicopter mechanic.He was wounded in the line of duty but continued to fight despite injury.He was very proud to have served his country and received numerous medals and certificates of service. Gary was a trained and certified HVAC Technician and he later drove truck for various companies and worked construction and paving jobs. He always made sure he provided for his family. He enjoyed spending summers at Keuka Lake, watching football and WWE, eating, tinkering in the garage, and falling asleep sitting up on the couch. Gary was a tough guy, a fighter until the end.He considered just about everyone he knew to be a friend or buddy.He loved to laugh and continued to have a sense of humor, even on his last day on earth.More than anything, he cherished the time that he shared with his children and grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Debbie Doolittle. He is survived by his daughters, Amy Doolittle, Caitlin Doolittle;his 5 grandchildren, Maki, Amaya, Dereon, A'drion, and Zari; his sister, Terry Vine; his brother, Tom Doolittle. Friends may call from 1-3 pm on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Olthof Funeral Home, 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue in Elmira.Burial will be private and at the convenience of his family. After Glow I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one, I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done I'd like to leave an echo Whispering softly down the ways, of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days I'd like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun, of happy memories that I leave when life is done.