David R. Gaston

David R. Gaston (85), beloved and faithful servant of God peacefully entered into eternal rest on February 15, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. Son of the late Donald and Alice (Albert) Gaston, David was born January 24, 1940 in Johnstown, PA. He lived a life of faith, love, dedication and hard work - doing odd jobs while growing up to help his family.
His fascination with all things mechanical led him to the Marine Corps, where he served in Germany in the late 1950s before being transferred to the Army's Davy Crockett program. David left the Army with honors and became an apprentice with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, where he worked for over 30 years, spending some time with the union and eventually ending up in a management position. He treasured the friends he made there to this day, especially Jimmy Kidd. David was an avid reader, especially Civil War history, and had many different interests.
He was a fifty-year plus member of both the Masonic Columbia Lodge #25 and the N-SSA 1st CT Volunteer Infantry, he enjoyed bamboo rod fly fishing, he enjoyed traveling, especially his trips to Scotland and Italy, as well as his several cruises with special friends. Above all, David lived his faith and was a "good man" loved by all. For almost 60 years he was a member of First Congregational Church in East Hartford where he was a Deacon and served on many boards and committees, as well as having taught Sunday School, sang in choir, been involved with Scout Troop #1, helped with Food Bank and was an inspiring Scripture reader.
David is survived by his loving wife Joanna (Moodie); his children, Donald and his former wife Louise of Camas, WA, David and his wife Teresa of Little Genesee, NY, and Derek Gaston of Manchester, CT; his beloved grandchildren Isla and George of Camas, WA and Arlianna of Little Genesee, NY; his brother Richard and his wife Susan, Johnstown, PA; his sister Pam and her husband Walter, Johnstown, PA as well as many loved nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his niece Laura Willams and his nephew Andrew Milligan. The family would like to thank Manchester Manor, the Visiting Nurses and the several agency aides who helped make David's final days more bearable.
Visiting Hours will be at Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main Street, Manchester, CT on Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 4-6 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 24, 2025 at First Congregational Church, 837 Main Street, East Hartford, CT. If desired, donations to be made to First Congregational Church or to The Ronald McDonald House, 780 West Ferry Street, Buffalo, NY 14222. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmeswatkins.com