Gastright, MD

John Anthony Gastright, MD, passed away on September 23, 2017, at his home on Johns Island, SC, following a sudden illness. John was born July 25, 1942 in Dayton, KY, to Thomas A. and Inez (Collins) Gastright.

John married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Jean Vance, in 1963, and they recently celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary. He was the proud father of three children, Beverly O'Hearn (Steve), John Gastright, Jr. (Kendra) and Michael Gastright (Abigail Duval). John took great pleasure in teasing his grandchildren - Erin, Lauren and Stephen O'Hearn; John III, Amy and Thomas Gastright; Chelsie Skroback (Brian), Michael II (Aurora), and Sarah, as well as Abigail's children Grayson, Reagan and Landon.

John earned his BA from the University of Cincinnati, and his Masters in Chemistry from Xavier University. He attended medical school at the University of Kentucky, and later completed a residency in Internal Medicine at MUSC. John loved caring for his patients, most recently with West Ashley Family Medicine and earlier with the Wilson Clinic in Darlington, SC, and Carolina Health Care in Florence, SC. He served in the US Navy as a Commander in the Navy Medical Corps. He was a past president of the American Heart Association, South Carolina affiliate.

John had diverse interests over the years, including farming on his John Deere tractor, fishing on the Faded Love, flying his twin engine Duchess airplane, carpentry, scuba diving, models and model trains, playing the banjo, reading and writing poetry. He was a student of great leaders, leadership and military history, and read every book he could on those subjects. John especially loved sailing Lightning's with his wife Barbara and children as crew, racing in the Southeast Circuit. He was a charter member of the Charleston Lightning Fleet. He loved playing practical jokes on friends and family, and wrestling with his best friend Harvey McCormick. In recent years, John enjoyed spending time on his back porch reading, watching movies, and eating Barbara's good cooking, with his dogs Maggie and Rocky nearby.

In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, John is survived by two sisters Mary Evans Muncie of Erlanger, KY, and Mary Dovak of Louisville, KY; brother-in-law Terry Vance (Tami) of Independence, KY; and sister-in-law Rae L. Kirby. John is predeceased by his parents, brothers Thomas A. Gastright and Robert L. Gastright, and in laws Fran Vance and Ray Vance.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, September 28, 2017 in J. HENRY STUHR, INC. WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 3660 Glenn McConnell Parkway at 6:00 PM. The family will receive friends for a celebration of John's life immediately following the service. A private inurnment will be held at a later date.

Remembrances may be made in John's name to the American Heart Association - Charleston, 174 East Bay Street, Suite 300A-B, Charleston, SC 29401.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kentucky Enquirer on Sep. 27, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for John Gastright

Sponsored by J. Henry Stuhr West Ashley Chapel.

28 Entries

Sally Frances Kilpatrick

September 21, 2021

It's hard to believe John's been gone 4 years. I have fond memories of our family visiting Barb & John, especially at Christmas. And images of John and my Dad enjoying cigars and Johnny Cash, and a beer. John was always quick with a smile or a laugh, loved to entertain, fun to be around, and still sadly missed.

Nancy Alsgard

September 30, 2017

John was an extraordinary and gifted gentleman whose laugh was bigger than he was. We shared a lot of them and now they will be heard in the wind. Sail on big man.

Theresa Moore

September 29, 2017

Dearest Barbara and family,
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Love,
Theresa and Jim Moore

Terry and Tami Vance

September 29, 2017

Barb and Dr. John and Family

Dr.John was more than a brother in law he was more as a second Father to my husband Terry and Barbara more as a Sister to me then my own blood. There's a song we would play at every
get together called "We are Family "And that is very true!
Your Father was a Hero, a man you could talk with for hours. He would give you the shirt off his back. Loving strong man. He loved his lovely wife Barb, his children, Grandkids and their two dogs! This world lost a great person
and he will be missed dearly! Please let's raise a glass of wine and say cheers to John's life !! Brother you ran your race you crossed the finished line it's your time to Rest In Peace. I hope in heaven you have gotten to talk to all your favorite poets and idols you loved. John I kept my promise to sing Amazing Grace for you hope you enjoyed hearing it. May God bless you and your family until y'all are reunited in heaven one day!
We loved you and miss you brother!

Allen and Gwendolyn Brown

September 28, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Ginger Macaulay

September 28, 2017

Michael, please accept my sympathies for you and your family on the loss of your father. Dads are such special people. Know you are in my prayers.

Sincerely,
Ginger Macaulay

Mike Brooks

September 28, 2017

SO SORRY EVERYBODY, PRAYERS FOR ALL

Wayne Smallwood

September 28, 2017

To: Barbara and the and the Gastright family. I was saddened and surprised at JOHN'S passing. May GODs comfort, mercy and blessing be with you at this time. I met John when we were students in organic chemistry at the University of Cincinnati. We rapidly became friends and shared many good times from playing handball to his stories about processing chickens at A&P. Even at that time he was committed to becoming a MD. He succeeded. After over 50 years I still have fond memories of him. I can claim we still one thing in common. We are both Navy Veterans

Minga Kelly

September 28, 2017

To Barbara and the entire Gastright family,
I've known and had the privilege of working very closely with Dr. Gastright for many years while he was the CMO in New York and afterwards as he continued to work remotely with HCP. With great sympathy, I send my condolences to you and share the pain of your loss with the joy of remembering him as a great physician and a strong, exemplary leader.
Minga Kelly,
Senior VP, Clinical Operations
HNYMPC

Lisa Boodram

September 27, 2017

My deepest condolences to the entire Gastright family. Dr. G was such a great leader and had a personality that captured everyone that he worked with. He always asked about my children and gave words of wisdom on parenting. I will truly miss my conversations with him and his ability to make me laugh. You will be missed. May your soul Rest In Peace.

Sally Kilpatrick

September 26, 2017

He was a great man, great sense of humor. I have many fond memories of visiting him, my cousin Barb and the kids when we were growing up. John will be so truly missed, but we will all meet again some day.

American Heart Association

September 26, 2017

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

2016 Bellevue,Ky

Terry and Tami Vance

September 26, 2017

John and his wonderful kids July 2017

Terry and Tami Vance

September 26, 2017

Cristiano Ventura

September 26, 2017

Our deepest condolences.

Nancy (Gastright) Overman

September 26, 2017

Dear Barbara and family, my sympathy to you in this difficult time. I did not know John as an adult but certainly have fun memories of when the cousins all got together at family gatherings. I remember one discussion we had about do you scratch an itch or itch a scratch! I guess John was destined to be a doctor. I am glad that we got to visit at brunch a few years ago when we were in your area. My prayers are with you.

Scott Lilly

September 26, 2017

I never met Dr. John Gastright but I knew of him through his Son, Michael. Stories about sailing, about his advice as a doctor, and him perhaps being occasionally frustrated as a patient having the highest of standards for his profession. If you judge a man by his children, Dr. Gastright was one hack of a man with lots to be proud. I offer my condolences to the entire great Gastright family. He has left a legacy to the world for sure.

Tootie Black-Tortorici

September 26, 2017

Barbara and Family: As I sit here and read this obituary, I remain heartbroken too! It's just so hard to believe. My friendship and memories with both of you will always be cherished, never forgotten. My sincere and deepest condolences to each of you. What a man......what a legacy he has left of with! Much love, Tootie Black-Tortorici

Alfred Creech

September 26, 2017

Barb and her Family,
So sorry to hear about Dr. John's passing. I know the pain and emptiness you feel. You were married 54 years to your sweetheart and My sweetheart and I were married 59 years and miss her so. Just know I loved you both like my own kids. Take care
Love you,
Dad Creech

Rick Weymier

September 26, 2017

Condolences to the entire Gastright family, friends and relatives. He was a great man, a true gentleman, and a visionary. I will certainly miss him and and happy that I had a chance to know him.

Tiffany Henderson

September 26, 2017

This is one of the hardest messages I've ever had to write. It is so difficult to bid a farewell to someone you care so much about. Dr. Gastright has a significant impact on so many lives. Many are asking: How did he die? What matters most is how he lived. He was a wonderful, hardworking leader, an intelligent educator, a great story teller and a charming southern gentleman. Dr. Gastright was a father figure to me who had the BEST sense of humor. He has taught me so much personally and professionally. I have so many fond memories of working together during the 16 years we shared, which I will always cherish. I am deeply saddened because Dr. Gastright meant the world to me, this loss is devastating and I will miss his dearly. I am grateful for the time I had with such a special person.
Dr. John Anthony Gastright will live in my heart forever!

My deepest condolences to the Gastright family.

Peggy Bintz

September 26, 2017

Dear Aunt Barbara, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Uncle Johnny. He was my favorite uncle.Listening to Dad and him joking or playing music are some of my happiest childhood recollections.

Kay Steinlicht

September 26, 2017

I didn't have the pleasure of knowing John for a long time but in the short amount of time I spent with him, I grew very fond of the kind, generous, knowledgeable man that he was. He and Barbara's marriage was one to emulate as their love and respect for one another shone brightly through everything they did together. He will be missed.

Francis Middleton, MD

September 26, 2017

My sincere condolences to John's family. He was a fine, smart man. I saw him as innovative in healthcare delivery, in the best sense, looking for better ways to deliver care and assure quality of care. I admired John for being unafraid of change, for being accepting of it. He had an active, intelligent mind, and a real kindness about him. I will not forget him.

Marilyn Myers

September 25, 2017

Dr G, you will always have a special place in my heart. You taught me so much during the 15 years we worked together. May you rest in peace

Ron Gross

September 25, 2017

Mr. Gastright, your a real patriarch of a man, who stood up to plot his own road, you knew what life was all about at the beginning. You believed in sharing your heart, love, dreams, and compassion, marrying your high school sweetheart Barbara, then blessed the world with three beautiful children, serving our country proudly, becoming an outstanding medical doctor to assist those who were ill and in need of your professional excellence and medical advise to heal and live a strong and vital life. You leave a resume of outstanding accomplishments and achievements, as well as precious memories that will remain in the hearts and souls of all your family and friends! You justify what a good man is made of. Your fascinating journey didn't end today, as your legacy will live on forever...
God Bless you!

Jean Gross and her son, Ron Gross

Yolanda Mordue

September 25, 2017

I remember Dr G as the most gentle sincere and kind man. I worked with him in NY and learned so much from him. He had such kind Heart and valued the time I could talk to him. He was a one in a million kind of man who will be missed

Michael Sparacino

September 25, 2017

I got to know Dr. Gastright during his time as Medical Director with Heritage New York IPA. He was a true gentleman with whom I had many enjoyable discussions, not just about business matters but about pretty much everything else, including our family lives. We spoke less frequently in recent years, but every time we did, it was as though we were just resuming a conversation from the day before. His contributions to the success of our organization were significant, but I will most remember him as a genuinely good person.

My deepest condolences to Barbara and his family.

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