Gerald Wilbur Gaston

Gerald Wilbur Gaston D.D.S., Ph.D. of Newcomb, MD died at Memorial Hospital at Easton, on Sunday, December 11, 2005. He was 75. Born on March 22, 1930 in Elyria, Ohio he was the son of the late Wilbur H. Gaston and Blanche Sellmann Gaston and stepson of the late Virginia Gaston. After graduating from Elyria High School in 1948, he attended Miami University of Ohio where he was part of the Naval Academy midshipmen program. Following his graduation in 1952 he served with the U. S. Navy. After his release from active duty he attended dental school at Ohio State University. He trained in oral surgery with the U. S. Public Health Service Department, New York, New York. He received his Ph.D in Educational Development from Ohio State University in 1972. Dr. Gaston served dental schools in Ohio, New Jersey, Michigan, completing his career as Chairman of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at University of Maryland, School of Dentistry, Baltimore, Maryland, retiring as Chairman in 1994. In 2002 while working as a clinical faculty member at the School of Dentistry he was named Professor Emeritus. Dr. Gaston’s first wife, Wilma Sonkoly died in 1981. He was married to Cynthia Winne-Newton D.M.D. for 9 years. Dr. Gaston, retired at the rank of Colonel, Dental officer from the Army National Guard Reserves in 1991. Colonel Gaston had served the Navy, Navy Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service and Army National Guard Reserves for 35 years. As a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Easton, MD, he served in many roles for His Lord. Dr. Gaston is survived by his wife the former Judith Frank, whom he married on April 1, 1989; five children, Amy Likens and her husband Ed of Columbus, Ohio; Sarah Gaston-Daniel also of Columbus, Ohio; Eric Gaston and his wife Gemma of Lawton, OK; Meg Koczorowski and her husband Kenny of Trappe, MD; Molly Johnson of Spring Lake, NJ; one brother, Alan Gaston and his wife Lois of New Port Richey, FL; a stepbrother, Dan Reinke and his wife Judy of Elyria, OH; sister-in-law, Olga Buttle of Linwood, NJ; a former son-in-law, David Johnson; twelve grandchildren, James and Amanda Arnold, Emily Likens, Justine and Calen Daniel, Gina Gaston, Bethany Price, Erica and Adam Koczorowski, Amelia and Elsie Johnson; and his loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Colleen Daniel. A memorial service will be held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Ocean Gateway, Easton on Friday, December 16, 2005 at 11:00 am. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Marie Harkowa (PIN-Patient in Need) Fund, MidShore Community Foundation, 102 E. Dover St., Easton, MD 21601 or to the Immanuel Lutheran Church,7215 Ocean Gateway (Rte 50), Easton, MD 21601. Arrangements are by Fellows Helfenbein and Newman Funeral Home of Easton.