Richard J. Johnston, Sr., 87, of Summerfield, Florida, and formerly of Dunkirk, New York, passed away Sunday, August 28, 2016 at home. He was born on May 31, 1929 in Derby, New York the son of Thomas J. and Sadie (Tripp) Johnston.
A graduate of Ripley High School, he joined the United States Army and served from 1948 to 1950. He was then drafted during the Korean Conflict and served again from 1950 to 1952 primarily at Fort Richardson, Alaska.
He married Elizabeth Terry on April 9, 1955. They moved to Dunkirk, New York and raised their family. In 2000, they moved to Summerfield, Florida.
Richard retired from National Fuel Gas in 1991 after working for 33 years. He coached Dunkirk Little League for many years. He played softball, golf, tennis and pickle ball until recently.
Along with his wife of 61 years, he is survived by his children: Phyllis (Greg Torchio) of Centreville, MD, Terry (Joe Oswald) of Madison, WI, Rick (Debbie) of Grand Island, NY, son in law Chuck Reed of Spencer, WV, 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, siblings: Betty Barger, Kim Johnston and Linda (Gene) Waide.
He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Ellen Reed.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Community United Methodist Church, Fruitland Park, Florida. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Alzheimer’s Family Organization, 461 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill, Florida. 34609 or Hospice of Marion County, Inc., 3231 34th Avenue, Ocala, Florida, 34474-8489
