Eastern Heights resident Russell William Johnston died Oct. 13 of heart failure at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. He was 81.
{reg}The son of the late Edward S. and Ethel G. Johnston was born in Cumberland, Md., and grew up on Haven Street in Highlandtown. He started work at age 10 setting pins at a bowling alley and selling newspapers. As an adult, he designed and built factory machinery, retiring at the age of 72.
He and the late Gladys M. Johnston were married in 1971 and moved to Dundalk in 1976. She died in 2010.
He was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness in 1959 and attended weekly congregation meetings. “He regularly helped people get to know God and the Bible,” a family member recalled.
He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. His favorite greeting was: “Jolly good day, Olly.”
Son Russell Johnston Jr., daughters Tanya Preston and Sherry Johnston, sisters Betty Meyers and Donna LitzLago, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren survive him.
Along with his wife, son Bryan Johnston, brother Bobby Johnston and sisters Mary Trotta and Mildred “Micky” Lighting preceded him in death.{/reg}
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