Soccer and Football Whiz
For a while there, a large firefighter was walking around with one eyebrow. That was thanks to William R. Johnston of Engine Company 6 in Manhattan.
It happened while the Fire Department football team was on the road, and Mr. Johnston shaved off his teammate's eyebrow while the fellow was sleeping: part of some undetermined high jinks, said Mr. Johnston's sister, Diane Cuff. He was the quiet one in a North Babylon, N.Y., family of four siblings, but could be mischievous outside of it. While on a date at a Ground Round restaurant one night, Mrs. Cuff said, she heard a familiar-sounding croon. It was Mr. Johnston, singing "Roxanne" into a microphone. "He was a character, and everyone loved him for that," she said.
The Fire Department and sports grabbed Mr. Johnston more than anything else. He joined the football team as a kicker because of his soccer prowess. His friend since age 5, Eugene Masula, said that Mr. Johnston played professional indoor soccer and had "a rocket of a right foot." On their team in a Long Island amateur league, Mr. Johnston was the center midfielder, or playmaker.
Until joining the Fire Department nearly two years ago, Mr. Johnston worked for the Transit Authority as an ironworker, tending to elevated subway tracks. A high-school friend, John Kolich, joined the New York Police Department around the same time as Mr. Johnston. "We both were really ecstatic for each other," he said. Not long afterward, Officer Kolich found himself attending Mr. Johnston's funeral in full dress. "I never thought in a million years I'd wear my uniform for my best friend," he said.
It's been 24 years since you left us and your legacy continues to live on in those who knew and loved you. It also lives on in your nieces and nephews who you never had the opportunity to meet. They honor you every day of their lives. Please continue to watch over us all. You are our hero today and every day. Till me meet again <3
Katie Whitnum
September 11, 2025
Twenty three years and still it feels like only yesterday. We think of you often and we know you are watching over us. Until we meet again. You are always in our hearts and on our minds. <3
Katie Whhitnum
September 11, 2024
Respect and Honor are paid to you on this Sept 11th 22nd Services to you and the 363 of your fellow firefighters ,EMT . I have never stopped thinking about the responses to the call that took the lives of so many.Thank You from the bottom of my heart for your service. RIP you are an Angel with your Mom watching over the Johnston Family
Rose Gattuso
September 12, 2023 | N Babylon, NY | Friend
I think of you often but especially yesterday. You are remembered and still honored.
Sherry Johnston Haskins
September 12, 2023 | Upatoi, GA | Friend
This year you have gained an amazing angel by your side. I know you were there to welcome mom with open arms. I can just imagine the smile on your faces and the joy in your hearts. You are both loved and missed more than you can imagine. Please continue to watch over us all. Until we meet again
Katie Whitnum
September 11, 2023 | Las Vegas, NV | Friend
I did not know him,the visor cap I have says FDNY "in memory of Billy Johnston. But today I have read such nice things about who he was.
Connie Labrador
September 10, 2023 | Copiague, NY
Another year has passed and everyone loves and misses you so much. We have our faith and we know that someday we will all be together again. Until that day comes, please continue to watch over and protect us all.
Katie Whitnum
September 09, 2022 | Friend
I was privileged to read your name aloud on 9/11/21. I hope that you Rest In Peace and that God blesses your family.
Jacqueline DeRosa
September 12, 2021 | NY
Hi Billy
I just went to the cemetery to see you on 9/11/21 I miss you !!!!!!
Uganda Rodriguez
September 11, 2021 | Friend