William P. Gaston, age 67, of Summit Township, died Sunday, June 22, 2014 after a six-month illness. Born in Kittanning, PA on February 18, 1947, he is the son of Helen Hockenberry Gaston of Cherry Hill, NJ. He married Shirley Harriger in 1967 and she survives.
An employee of General Electric for 38 years, Bill retired in 2007 and has enjoyed hunting and fishing for most of his life. He was a former member of the Perry Hi-Way Hose Company, he coached little league for the Summit Rec League and he was a fan of NASCAR and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bill especially enjoyed spending time at his camp in Tidioute, PA, and he loved his dog, Diego.
In addition to his wife, Shirley Gaston, family members include a daughter, Julie Malinowski and her husband Greg, and a son, Billy Gaston and his wife Anita, all of Summit Township, and another son, Benjamin Gaston and his wife Julie of Erie; seven grandchildren: Joseph, Trevor, Brady, Joshua, Nicholas, Devin, and Brandon; a sister, Peggy Beichner of Cherry Hill, NJ, and a brother, Barry Gaston and his wife Sandy of Acworth, GA; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Josephine Wells, and a brother-in-law, Keith Beichner.
Friends may visit with the family at Van Matre Funeral Home, 105 Walnut Street, Waterford on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and are invited to a funeral service there on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. with Deacon Bill Spinks officiating. Burial will take place in Hawthorn Cemetery in Clarion County, PA.
Memorials may be made to the Regional Cancer Center, 2500 West 12th St., Erie, PA 16505.
Dear Aunt Shirley, Julie, Billy and Ben-
I am so very sorry for your loss. I understand the pain that you are going through, and would do anything to be able to take that away for you. Uncle Will will be sorely missed. I always looked forward to any time that I had with him, as he was such a fun and jovial part of the family. I loved to watch him and my dad interact, because he brought out the fun in my dad as well. I know that he loved all of you immensely, and it was obvious to everyone around him. Treasure those memories of his love and joy, as it will help you through the days ahead. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers, and let me know if there is anything at all that I can do to help.
Love Always,
Karen
Dear Shirley, Ben, Julie, Greg, Julie, Billy and Anita
God bless you, you are in my prayers. Bill was one heck of an awesome family man…he loved and cared for his family more than anything. I know my daughter Julie was very lucky to have such a caring father in law…she always told me “I know Bill loves me because he picks on me” he had a sense of humor about him..Shirley I can say I know exactly what you are going through and I am here for you anytime you need to talk and don’t ever hesitate to look through family pictures and just remember all the happy times……I can bet that my Brian was there to greet him with a nice “cold one” waiting for him so they could talk sports, hunting and fishing.
love and prayers,
~Gale~