John Russel Gaston

John Russel Gaston, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away on May 10, 2020 at Ginger Cove in Annapolis, MD. He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years Edna Irene and his daughter Barbara Jean. He is survived by his daughter Bonny Gaston of Alexandria, VA, his son John and daughter-in-law Ellen Gaston of Annapolis, MD, his grandchildren Lauren and Grant Gaston, and his brother-in-law Edward Budman of Hughesville, PA.

Mr. Gaston was born April 3, 1926 and grew up on his parents’ farm in Turbotville, PA. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany in the early 1950’s. After his service, he and his young family moved to Allegany, NY where he began a 30+ year career with Dresser Clark, in which Mr. Gaston’s high curiosity, thirst for knowledge, mechanical ability, and natural way with people served him well. His career included travel to innumerable countries, three U.S. patents for control systems, an honorary degree from Texas A&M, multiple industry talks and awards, and recognition as an expert in his field. He later consulted for many years with Triconex. He also served on the town council and held several other offices in Allegany.

More important to Mr. Gaston were his wife, family, and many, many friends. To know him was to quickly have a new best friend. To be his son or daughter was a wonderful and joyous experience. To be a colleague at work was to receive generously shared knowledge and genuine support. He was well known and loved everywhere he went.

He was humble. He often acknowledged how much his family, friends, and colleagues helped him along the way. He was kind. A lot of people received his help or support. And not the least of his attributes was his subtle and smilingly sly sense of humor. He kept you laughing.

All of this was grounded in Mr. Gaston’s deep faith. He was a caring person. He was a man of God. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Allegany and a churchman, serving in many ways and offices over 50 years. He made a difference.

In short, this significant and gentle man is and will remain missed dearly by his family, friends, and colleagues.