John R. "JJ" Johnston, 63, of East Hartford, passed from this life suddenly on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at his home. Mr. Johnston was born in Portsmouth, NH, the son of the late Walter W. and Dorothy M. (Secord) Johnston, and had been a longtime resident of East Hartford.
He had served proudly in the U.S. Army for three years and, upon discharge, went to work for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft for 25 years where he served as Shop Steward and Senior Steward with the Machinist Union.
Mr. Johnston had served on the Democratic Town Committee, on the Personnel Appeals Board and was Treasurer for the Fourth District Democrats for many years.
He had received the Frank Fitzgerald Distinguished Democrat award for his service. Mr. Johnston is a Melvin Jones Fellow, one of the highest honors bestowed by the East Hartford Lions Club, and he was a long-time member of the East Hartford Moose Family Center # 1477.
His favorite pasttimes included cooking, which he did with pride and passion as a volunteer. His skill in the kitchen helped benefit many East Hartford organzations over many years, including turning out countless spaghetti suppers, pancake breakfasts and, most recently, the first ever EH Lions Club French Toast Breakfast the success of which made him supremely happy. JJ's special election day chowders warmed up many a Democratic poll worker after a long stint out in the cold.
John was proudest of, and enjoyed spending time with, his family. Mr. Johnston is survived by his two daughters: MindyJo Johnston of East Hartford and Heather L. Bryant and her husband, Patrick of Greenville, SC; and by his son Christopher Colberg of Johnstown, PA. He also leaves his brothers: Robert H. "Chip" Johnston and his wife Jean of East Hartford; Walter H. Johnston and his wife Freda of Blue Springs, MO; and James B. Johnston and his wife Susie of Pomona, N.Y.; and his sister, Gertrude M. McAtavey and her husband Dennis of Dover, NH.
He also leaves several nephews and nieces and many dear friends along with his three dogs: Clarissa, Slinky and Tigger.
Special services were conducted by his fellow lodge members from the Moose, and the East Hartford Lions Club. Funeral service took place Monday at Truth Baptist Church, South Windsor. An interment service will be held at a later date.
Donations may be made in John's memory to the East Hartford Lions Club, P.O. Box 380765, East Hartford, CT, 06118. Go to www.mem.com.