Ronald E. Johnston

Ronald E. Johnston, 79, of South Windsor, husband of the late Rita (Stoltz) Johnston, passed away peacefully, Sunday, January 12, 2014, at his home surrounded by his family. Born in Dorchester, MA, son of the late Ralph and Esther (Dowd) Johnston, he was raised there and graduated from Dorchester High School in 1952. He has lived in South Windsor for 40 years and was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church. Ronald served in the US Air Force during the Korean War and then began his career with the FAA at Logan Airport in Boston. He then held positions at Hyannis MA, San Juan, PR, Hanscom AFB; and was chief of the towers at Brainard, Westover, and Barnes, retiring from Bradley International Airport. The capstone of his career was overseeing a 2 billon dollar telecommunications project for the FAA. He enjoyed gathering with the "lunch bunch" during his retirement. He leaves a son William R. Johnston and his wife Teresa of Grafton, MA; three daughters Ann Doherty and her husband Jim of Tolland, Paula Cosgrove and her husband Chris of Newington, and Kathryn Gallagher and her husband Scott of South Windsor; a brother William Johnston of Emerald Isle, SC; two sisters Rita Smyth of So Boston, MA and Elizabeth O'Hara of Quincy, MA; seven grandchildren Evan Johnston, Brianna, Jacob and Jack Doherty, Kayla Cosgrove and Ryan and Sarah Gallagher; many caring nieces, nephews, and numerous friends especially Rene Vanderjagt; and a special friend Carol Brzys. Besides his wife Rita he was predeceased by sisters Patricia Arfwedson and Mildred Whiffen and brothers Ralph, Paul, Thomas, and Kevin Johnston. His family would like to thank the staff of the Harry & Helen Gray Cancer Center, especially Dr. Robert Siegel and nurse Laurie and the VITAS Hospice staff all for their exceptional care. His family will receive friends Tuesday, January 14, from 5-8 pm at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Road, South Windsor. Family and friends may gather Wednesday, January, 15, 9 am at Samsel & Carmon followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Ellington Road, South Windsor. Burial will follow in Wapping Cemetery. Contributions may be made to either the Harry & Helen Gray Cancer Center, 85 Retreat Ave, Hartford, CT 06106 or the Bradley Air Museum, 36 Perimeter Road, Windsor Locks, CT 06096. For directions or condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com