Name: Visitation for Raymond Patrick Johnston
Start: 2021-05-02T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-05-02T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Richard F. Thomas- Robert W. Little Funeral Service Inc. - McDonald

Raymond Patrick Johnston, 85, of Hickory, passed away April 29, 2021, in his home.

Raymond was born St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1936, to George E. and Hannah Johnston.

He was a graduate of Midway High School and Washington and Jefferson College. He obtained his doctorate in education from the University of Pittsburgh. He played football at Midway and W&J where he was named an All-American and in the first class to be inducted into W&J's Hall of Fame.

He spent his career at the Fort Cherry School District where he taught Special Education and coached football. He retired from teaching after 30 years and returned to school full time to obtain his Principal Certificate from California University of Pennsylvania. Returning to Fort Cherry, he became principal for many years, retiring as principal emeritus to recognize the many lives he positively influenced in the classroom and on the football field.

Ray married his high school sweetheart, Emma, and they enjoyed 63 wonderful years together. After retirement they traveled to all 50 states in their motor home and many countries overseas. At home they worked their Angus farm outside of Hickory, rode bikes and took many dance classes together. Ray was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, past president of the Hickory Lions Club and the Montour Trail Council where he maintained the McDonald section of the trail for 25 years.

He is survived by his wife, Emma; brother, Tom; and children, Barry (Carolyn) Johnston, Stephanie (Scott) Colcombe and Heather (Grant) Palmer; grandchildren, Allison (Jed) Johnston, Caroline Johnston, Tom, Alazanna and Hannah Colcombe, Gray, Kolby and Sage Palmer; and great-grandchildren, Beau and Estelle; along with many nieces and nephews that he enjoyed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Paul and James; and sisters, Helen and Mary Jean.

Friends and family will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 2, in Thomas-Little Funeral Service, Inc., 314 W. Lincoln Avenue, McDonald, 724-926-2800. A blessing service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 3, in the funeral home. Interment will follow the service in Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Montour Trail Council, montourtrail.org, Visiting Angels, 332 W. Pike Street, Canonsburg, PA 15317 or Pilgrimage Hospice, 200 Cedar Ridge Drive, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15205.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Observer-Reporter on May 1, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Johnston

7 Entries

Doreen Prevost

May 7, 2021

My prayers and condolences to a very nice and caring teacher at Fort Cherry. God's love and blessings be with the family and friends who knew him

Larry and Becky Chome

Planted Trees

Tom Miltenberger

May 1, 2021

Coach Ray Johnson was a man of many talents. Teacher, Coach, All American collegiate football player, father, grandfather , spokesman for his teachers group, etc. Ray was highly respected by his peers in education, his players in football, and the community at large as well. He was the offensive and defensive line coach our senior year at Fort Cherry in the fall of 1971, and from the first day of practice, we knew this was going to be a special year, and it was. We won the Black Hills Conference that year, and he was undoubtedly one of the main reasons why. What a great legacy he left for his family, and an excellent role model for anyone to follow. “ He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again.” Hamlet , Wm Shakespeare.

Herb Speer, Vince Speer, Becky Speer and Nancy and John Holmes

May 1, 2021

We will miss Uncle Ray's laugh and warm smile.
A $100 donation has been made in honor of Ray by the Speer, Holmes Families to the Montour Trail Council.

Herb Speer

May 1, 2021

Remember many fun times with Ray: picnics at Helen and Wayne's, playing football in the front yard. Ray calling out plays.
He always had time to ask me how I was doing and what was going on in my life. Will miss his laugh and sense of humor

Lori Cowden

May 1, 2021

I’m so sorry to hear this news. I thought of him often as I drove by his house. He was my Principal when I was in school and then I worked with him at FC for many years. A kind, caring person if ever there was one! Rest easy Mr. Johnston, you deserve it.

Bob Schmidt

May 1, 2021

I don't remember personally meeting Mr. Johnston but I am sure we were in the same room sometime because of our mutual connection with sports. His life can best be described as "a life well lived!". His contact with the youth at Fort Cherry I am sure influenced many young adults and made a positive difference in their lives. My condolences to the entire Johnston family.

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