Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Thomas Johnstone Obituary
Thomas A. "TJ"
Age 62 of Elmira, NY, died Monday, July 21 at Arnot Ogden Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Born January 4, 1946, the son of Alex and Annie Johnstone, TJ lived his entire life in Elmira, graduating from Elmira Free Academy in 1964. He held many jobs throughout his lifetime, including employment at the Elmira City School District and West Elmira Town Hall. He retired from Fagan Engineers in 2008. TJ was predeceased by his mother and father; his brother, John Johnstone; and his father-in-law, Frank Williams. He is survived by his devoted wife, Judy; children, Stacey (Aaron) Turnier, and grandchild, Hayden Turnier; daughter, Wendy Johnstone and grandchild, Maddyn Johnstone Thomas, all of Las Vegas, Nevada. Also surviving are his sister, Sandra (Roger) Petsky; his mother-in-law, Ella Williams; sister-in-law, Celeste Johnstone; sister-in-law, Donna (Michael) Spaziani; brother-in-law, Jack (Lorraine) Williams; and sister-in-law, Karen Rohde (Joe Cavallaro). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and a special aunt, Shirley Bauer and her family and many special friends. TJ devoted his life to his family. He supported his girls in their activities at EFA and became an active member in the booster club there even after they graduated. TJ was a handy man and was often called upon by friends and family. He enjoyed shooting the breeze at Cozy Corners and dropping by OTB. The greatest enjoyment of his life was his two grandchildren, Maddyn and Hayden. He looked forward to his trips to visit them in Las Vegas and their visits to Elmira. He always had a joke or a funny story whenever you saw him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Friends are invited to the BAKER FAMILY FUNERAL HOME on Friday, July 25 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral and interment of TJ's ashes will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make donations to the First Baptist Church, 121 West Church Street, Elmira, NY 14901.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Johnstone
Dan Donovan
July 30, 2008
Judy, Stacy and Wendy,
TJ was a good friend of mine, could always depend on him and he was one of the few people who would crawl under my house in time of need, never complained. Remember the good times and all will get better. Also remember he's watching all of us now, WOW:)
Dan Donovan
Hether Gillette
July 27, 2008
Stacey, Wendy and Mrs. Johnstone, I am sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of spending time at your house. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Hether Gillette (Searfoss)
Roni Herrick
July 26, 2008
Judy, Stacey, Wendy & Family,
I am sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to all of you. I love you and will be praying for you!
Fred and Raula Turnier
July 26, 2008
TJ will be missed, our love and prayers will be with you. If there is anything you need please do not hesitate to ask.
Paul and Stacy Richmond
July 25, 2008
The Johnstone Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May fond memories and the love and support of family and friends help you through this difficult time.
Joanna Bucci Johnson
July 25, 2008
Mrs. Johnstone, Wendy, and Stacey,
I was saddened to hear of your loss. Your father always brought a smile to those around him...Wendy, I will always remember him cheering us on at our EFA soccer games.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless..
--the Bucci family
Melissa Punzo
July 25, 2008
Mrs. Johnstone, Wendy, and Stacey,
I am so sorry to hear of TJ's passing. My thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.
Thomas-Wells Family
July 24, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Zina Wickliffe
July 24, 2008
Stacey, Aaron and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help at this time.
Don Michalko
July 24, 2008
Judy, Stacey, and Wendy: The world lost a good man this week and the Michalkos lost a wonderful neighbor. TJ and you were always there for our family. One of my favorite memories is throwing the softball around with TJ in the side yard when I was little. Whenever I see someone tell a joke with a twinkle in their eye, I will think of TJ. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Don & Donna Michalko & family
David Kole
July 24, 2008
We are so sorry for your loss, Please know that you are all in our prayers, sincerely, David & Sally
David & Jennifer (Baker) Squires
July 24, 2008
Mrs. Johnstone, Stacey and Wendy,
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. You could always count on a good laugh after speaking with your husband/father. May he rest in peace~
Nancy Buchanan
July 23, 2008
Stacy, Wendy and family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. We're all thinking of you and are here for you if you need anything.
Sean Fogarty
July 23, 2008
Judy, Stacey, and Wendy:
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Always thought the world of TJ.
Sean Fogarty and Family (Charlotte, NC)
Linda & Al Hager
July 23, 2008
Judy, Stacey & Wendy, We are so sorry to hear about TJ. Just know we are thinking about you and that you are in our prayers. I wish we were there to be with you.
Joy (Spirawk) Doane
July 23, 2008
Dear Judy, Stacey, Wendy and family,Cherish your memories and be strong for each other.
Joy, Erica, Kimberly and Andrea
Kim Leavitt
July 23, 2008
Aaron & Stacey,
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Kristi Robertson
July 23, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Don't hestitate to ask if there is anything you need.
Maria & John Hathaway
July 23, 2008
Aaron, Stacey, Hayden & Family,
Our deepest sympathies on your loss.
May your find peace in your memories.
July 23, 2008
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Our blessings are with your family.
Matt and Toni Moffe (formerly Toni Stevens)
Dave & Jody Walker
July 23, 2008
We're so sorry for your loss. Cherish the wonderful memories of your father with family and friends and share your joy every day.
You're in our thoughts.
Colleen (Ford) Killorin
July 23, 2008
Judy, Stacey & Wendy,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember from our high school days Mr. Johnstone's great sense of humor. Please know that you are in my thoughts & prayers~
Brooke Kasel
July 23, 2008
Aaron & Stacey,
I am so sorry for your loss and want you to know that all three of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Take care.
Angela Hunter
July 23, 2008
Aaron, Stacey, Hayden & family -
Hold tight to memories for comfort,
lean on your friends for strength,
and always remember how much you are cared about.
You are in our prayers in this time of grievance. If you need anything please feel free to contact me.
Patrick & Bonnie Genovese
July 23, 2008
Bonnie and I send our deepest sympathy in your time of grieving and hope you find solitude in know ing your father will always be with you in mind and spirit.
With Love,
Patrick & Bonnie Genovese
Judy Mandle
July 23, 2008
Wendy, and family; My heart aches for you. My thoughts are with you, and having lost my mom, I know what you are going through. Anything I can do, know I am here for you. All my love, judy Mandle
Roberta and Scott
July 23, 2008
Stacey,Wendy, and Family-
We were very sorry to hear of your father's passing and hope you can find comfort in knowing how much your dad touched the lives and hearts of everyone he knew. You are in our thoughts.
John Davis
July 23, 2008
With Deepest Sympathy to the Johnstone Family:
TJ (Tom back then) and I grew up--or perhaps older, anyway--back when O'Bucley's store was on the corner of 2nd & Walnut & we played basketball after school most afternoons in Toomey's driveway. He was one of my best friends until our paths diverged after high school. The Johnstones of Walnut street were like a second family to several of us, right down to Annie's discipline.
Bless you all,
Sarah and Terence Farmer
July 23, 2008
The Johnstone Family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Kellie Traugott
July 23, 2008
Mrs. Johnstone, Stacey and Wendy - I am sooo sorry to hear of your loss, I was just talking about you yesterday Stacey and the good old high school days - please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers...
Danielle and Mike Bixby
July 23, 2008
Judy, Stacey and Wendy and families -
We are very sorry for your loss. TJ was a very nice man. May God bless you and your families in this time of sorrow.
Rosanne Richards
July 23, 2008
Stacey, Wendy and Family - You are all in my many thoughts and prayers. Sorry to hear of your loss.Love, Rosanne, Eric and Sabrina Rose Richards
Abby Quinn
July 23, 2008
Judy, Wendy, Stacy, Aaron, Maddyn and Hayden:
I only knew TJ for a short time but within that time he left a mark on my heart. Thank you for making me a part of your family and I will truly miss my time with him.
Brownie & Brenda
July 23, 2008
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Ley
July 23, 2008
Judy, Stacey, Wendy and families:
Wish we could be there to offer our love and support in person. May your thoughts and memories of all those special moments you had with TJ, comfort you and give you strength during this difficult time. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We Love you ~
Mike, Debi, Brendan and Courtney
Carol Spirawk Hoffman
July 23, 2008
Judy,
I am so sorry to learn of TJ's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time.
Sincerely,
Mike & Kelly Bennett
July 23, 2008
To the Johnstone Family:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. We will always remember TJ as a dedicated family man, with a wonderful sense of humor.
Gina and Troy Denomy
July 23, 2008
Stacey, Aaron, Hayden and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Tommy Bennett
July 23, 2008
Judy and entire family
So very sorry to read of TJ's passing. Such a great man. He will truly be missed by so many. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. God Bless you all.
Lori Kline
July 23, 2008
Judy, Stacey, Wendy and family,
Your many wonderful memories of TJ will carry you through the next few weeks. Hold on to them, know his suffering is over, and he is looking over you all with love and pride. Your all in my thoughts and prayers and I'm here is you need anything. We love you all,
Lori, Ashley and Kevin
Judy Merrill
July 23, 2008
I was so saddened. My thoughts are with you. I would run in to TJ at Kountry Krullers occassionally and he would always talk about his grandchildren.
Sharon Williams
July 23, 2008
Judy and family, we are so very sorry for your loss and our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Love, the Williams in New Hampshire
Lonie Graham
July 23, 2008
Judy,Our deepest sympathy and support goes out to you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Love,
Lonie & Mike Graham
Theron W. Andrews
July 23, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
JoAnn & Thomas Fretz
July 23, 2008
To Judy,Stacy & Wendy I am so sorry for your loss.Tom was a great person as long I can remember him in church.My prayers are with you.
sharon hallahan
July 23, 2008
John and I were both saddened by TJ's death. We looked forward to his trips to Vegas when we could get together with him...We surely will miss him.
Showing 1 - 46 of 46 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Johnstone's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Johnstone
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Johnstone's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
