Obituary of Aaron Michael Payson

It is with great sadness, that we announce the death of Aaron Michael Payson who left this earth too soon on March 27 th, 2024. Aaron was 47 and was living in Tucson, Arizona, but he would tell you that his heart never truly left New England. He is survived by his parents (Ann & Bill Payson), his siblings (Sarah & Matthew Payson), his dear friend (Robin Howard), and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Aaron was the first grandson, great-grandson, and nephew born into a large family, and he was deeply loved from the moment he was born, until the day he died.

When Aaron was young, he would always wear a Superman cape over anything else he happened to be wearing. His Aunt Judy made him the cape out of an old red curtain, and his grandmother painted on the Superman logo. And to all of us, he was our Superman. This was in the 70’s, before Superman became popular and before all of the remakes. Our Aaron was an original. 

One of Aaron’s many superpowers was that he was fiercely loyal. Many people are loyal, but few are fiercely loyal. Aaron was. You could count on Aaron to show up and help whenever you needed anything. He was always supremely kind. This kindness superpower was demonstrated in the many cats that Aaron adopted that others had abandoned. He never raised his voice, he cared deeply for his family and his friends. Aaron surrounded himself with wonderful people like Shelly & Jim Kais and the Howard family who were his Arizona families. Everyone who came in contact with Aaron, couldn’t help but instantly like him. He was exceptionally gentle. He was a loving son, a wonderful brother, and a thoughtful nephew.

Another superpower was Aaron’s photography. He quietly observed things and thoughtfully captured those moments via his camera. And then, he took the time to send these framed treasures to his family. Many of these gifts came engraved with his grandfather’s (Stanley Orzechowski) motto: “Keep the faith.”

The sadness is that Aaron didn’t recognize his superpowers.

His mother captured Aaron the best, as only mothers can do. “You were truly a gift from God and your light will be dearly missed! Go in peace and love always and forever!”

There will be a celebration of life for Aaron at a later date, to be decided.

Prayers are welcomed. In lieu of flowers, please honor Aaron’s memory by donating to Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter & Sanctuary in Tucson, Arizona.

(Hermitage No-Kill Cat Shelter | Protection, Adoption, & Sanctuary (hermitagecatshelter.org).