Frederick E. Johnston

Obituary for Frederick Edwin Johnston

On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Good Samaritan Hospice in Wexford, Fred Johnston went home to Heaven to be with his Lord and maker. Fred joins his wife of 60 years, Marilyn, who passed away two months prior to Fred. Anyone who asked him how he was doing, would be greeted with, “I’m still here.” After many years, his prayers have been answered.

His family will miss him greatly, but they know he is where he has wanted to be for a long time. Fred leaves behind his daughter Elizabeth and her husband, John Trembulak, his son James and his wife Beth Johnston, and his daughter Rebekah and her husband Jude Wudarczyk. Fred also leaves his grandchildren, Cara Trembulak, Jenny Rowe, and her husband Devin, Laura Trembulak, Hannah Trembulak, Benjamin Johnston and Daniel Johnston. Fred also leaves his first great grandchild, Lilly Rowe, who he affectionately called, “The kid”.

Fred liked to be known as a “grumpy gramps”, but his family and friends knew that he was a kindhearted, compassionate, quiet man, who enjoyed reading, word searches, and helping those in need. He would not hesitate to help his family, friends, neighbors and strangers alike. While reading the newspaper, Fred would always be looking for newspaper articles that would be significant to people in his life. Family, pastors, friends and neighbors, would often be gifted a clipping about something he felt they would appreciate.

A man of great faith, Fred could often be found reading one of his many Bibles. He faithfully served his church, Zion Lutheran in Lawrenceville, in many capacities. He would serve as a lay preacher, elder, congregation chair, and trustee, and reading the week’s scripture over the years.

Also gifted with many talents, Fred enjoyed working in his workshop on various projects for his family and church. Fred worked a variety of jobs in his life, including working for the Homewood Cemetery in his younger days, serving in the United States Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal, managing for G.C. Murphy Co., and many other jobs. Later in life, Fred changed jobs again and began cleaning several offices, churches and the Hampton Library up until summer 2025.

Visitation will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, Lawrenceville on Saturday, January 31, 2026, beginning at 9:30 AM. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM. Immediately following the service, friends are invited to join the family for a luncheon at the church.

For many years Fred was a dedicated donor of whole blood and platelets until the medication he was taking prohibited him from donating. In his memory the family would like you to consider donating Life in lieu of flowers. Help save Lives while remembering that he saved many. There are two ways to donate if you choose.

Red Cross Blood Drive – Zion Lutheran Church in Lawrenceville.

Tuesday, March 17th 12:30 PM -6:00 PM.

Visit redcrossblood.org and enter code Fred Johnston or call 1-800-RED-CROSS, to schedule an appointment.

Vitalant

Visit the Frederick E. Johnston Memorial Blood Drive page at https://vbd.vitalant.org/drive/GiveLife-4411-L and select a date, time and location where you would like to donate in Fred’s memory.

Fred was also a supporter of the Hampton Library. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hampton Library in Fred’s memory.