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Benny Gaston

Obituary of Benny Gaston

                                                                     Celebration of Life Story

Mr. Benny Gaston, 87, of Syracuse was born in 1932, to the late Elvenia Gaston-Black in Gaffney, SC. He graduated from Price High School in Salisbury, NC, top five of his class. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Naval Academy, where he would later serve in the Korean War on the USS Chourre, ARV-1 ship. In 1955, he received an honorable discharge from active duty but, continued his tenure in the Navy Reserves until the 1970's. Upon completing his obligations with the Reserves, Benny would then begin his career as a Crane Inspector; retiring from Crucible Steel after 33 years of employment.

When it came to sports, Benny was a walking encyclopedia. He lived an active life as an avid swimmer, excellent bowler, and crafty fisherman. His athleticism shined while playing baseball and basketball with the Syracuse Pals in the early 1960's. He loved to listen to music, dance and sing to his loved ones. Benny was an amazing brother, husband, father, uncle, grandparent and friend. He legally fostered children while playing a major role in the lives of many children from the neighborhood and beyond. Benny was an inspiration and wise teacher who taught things from tying a tie or playing chess to navigating life lessons. Benny has always instilled the value of hard work, unconditional love and compassion into anyone he encountered. He made sure his family was educated and engulfed in rich family traditions, always celebrating holidays, attending events, traveling and more. Benny was known for being brilliant and having an admirable intellect with an overwhelming knowledge of any topic; his handwriting was self-taught beautiful calligraphy. With a huge personality, and even larger sense of humor, his timeless jokes would often be interrupted due to his inability to stop laughing at his own jokes first; it's a fact that anyone who knew him knew that he was funny. He showed his love by teasing his friends and family (if he didn't, he didn't like you); nearly everyone who was graced by his presence received a nickname.

Family was most important to Benny, he cherished them. He met Carmella Lousie in 1956 and they married in 1958. Carmella and Benny would go on to nurture and raise five generations for over 62 years together. Benny had an undying love for his wife and any man who could make each of his babies feel like his favorite, is someone special. His legacy will live through Mrs. Carmella Gaston, their children: Deborah Gaston-Polk; Kathleen Gaston-McKinney; John & (Luisa) Gaston all of Syracuse, NY; Antoinette (Kevin) Brooks of Mableton, GA; 15 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sister, Margaret Tyson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family and friends. Benny is reunited with his mother; son, Benny J. Gaston (Master Angelo Ace); granddaughter, Breonna Miller-Brooks; brother, Collie R. Gaston; and sister, Shirley Moody into eternal life. He will continue to be deeply loved, and surely will be missed.

On February 28, 2020, Mr. Benny Gaston peacefully entered the Kingdom at home with his family. All services will be held at Bethany Baptist Church, 149 Beattie Street, Syracuse, NY on March 9, 2020; Calling hours from 10am-12pm with a service and Celebration of Life to immediately follow at noon.

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Monday
9
March

Calling Hours

10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Monday, March 9, 2020
Bethany Baptist Church
149 Beattie Street
Syracuse, New York, United States
Public visitation
Monday
9
March

Funeral Service

12:00 pm
Monday, March 9, 2020
Bethany Baptist Church
149 Beattie Street
Syracuse, New York, United States