Wayne B. Johnston

Wayne B. Johnston, 60, of Gardner, died surrounded by loved ones on Friday, December 26, 2025, at UMass Memorial Medical Center-University Campus in Worcester, following a period of declining health.

Born in Bangor, Maine, on November 24, 1965, Wayne was the beloved son of Calvin J. and Linda G. (Fitzgerald) Johnston. He was a 1983 graduate of Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fitchburg, where he studied auto body, and later joined the Marines. His early career had him traveling throughout the United States, and working on aircraft carriers for the Coast Guard. Wayne later settled back home with his family and built a successful career as an information technologist.

Wayne was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 747 of Gardner, where he was a dedicated pool league member. A gifted musician, he especially excelled at playing the bass guitar. He played in numerous bands throughout his life and cherished the times he could jam with his friends. Wayne is known to many as the "Go-to-guy" for fixing broken things, he had an uncanny ability to repair just about anything, one of his greatest joys came from putting his many skills to use to help his family, and teaching them along the way. He was a great cook, who enjoyed hosting dinners for his friends and family. Wayne was so many things to his family; his deadpan responses, creativity, and helpful nature will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Tracey M. (Rocheleau) Johnston of Gardner; his daughters, Alexis Tatro of Leominster and Elizabeth Tatro of Templeton; his son, Christopher Tatro of Massachusetts, and his cherished grandchildren, Gabriel Tatro, Isabella Tatro, Lily Imbriani-Tatro, and Chloe Tatro. He also leaves his brother, Randy Johnston and his wife Christina of Holden; his sister, Trudi Johnston and her partner Brian Michaud of Gardner; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Wayne was predeceased by his mother Linda G. Johnston, his grandson, Antonio Backherns Jr., and his brother, Glenn Johnston.

Calling Hours will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA. A Celebration of Wayne's Life will follow at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 71 City Hall Avenue, Gardner, MA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Wayne's memory to the Childhood Leukemia Foundation, 807 Mantoloking Road, Brick, NJ 08723, or via their website at www.clf4kids.org. Please reference "In Memory of Wayne B. Johnston."