Michael Harry Gaston

Michael (Mike) Harry Gaston, age 72, of Clayton, NC, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025 at WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh after a period of declining health. He was born on October 21, 1953, Medford, MA to the late Harry N. and Joan T. Burnham Gaston.

Mike graduated in 1971 from Shrewsbury High School in Shrewsbury, MA and earned his associates degree in 1978 from Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner, MA. In 1977 he was selected for inclusion in “Who’s Who among Students in American Colleges”. He received this award for his many performances in community theater.

Mike enjoyed a successful career as a retail sales associate for multiple stores in MA, his favorite being Merle Norman Cosmetics, Leominster which he worked for 10 years. To him women’s faces were like a blank canvas, and he knew just which colors to recommend using. After relocating to NC in 2006, he worked for 10 years at BJ’s Wholesale Club, Garner, in various roles, but loved to show his artistic talents by decorating cakes in the bakery. Mike was a past member and deacon of Bread of Life Church, Westminster, MA. In 1997, he went on a mission’s trip to Guatemala and cooked for the team.

Mike had many passions. Music by the Beatles, cars especially Pontiacs, irises, making his home festive with his decorating talents at Christmas, and Dunkin coffee. Mike had a natural talent as an artist, never having any formal training. In the last three years he spent hours homing in on this God given gift. Friends would request a specific subject for him to draw. He was amazed at their reactions when he handed them a Michael Gaston original.

Mike got tremendous joy spending time with family. His Armenian heritage was very special to him. He cherished all the information and stories that his relatives shared. He also treasured the 19 years of annual family trips to Cape May, NJ (oldest Victorian seaside US town).

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Dianne L. Mason Gaston, of Clayton; brothers, John Gaston and his wife Cindie of Shrewsbury, MA, David Gaston and Roberta McNamara of Gardner, MA. Special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, Mike is also preceded in death by his sister, Teri A. Gaston.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff (the Season) and rehab therapists at BellaRose Nursing and Rehab, Garner for the wonderful care given to Michael. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 15829 Arlington, VA 22215 or to Blood Cancer United, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at McLaurin Funeral Home, located in Clayton, NC, on December 5, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.