Thomas Emmett Johnston
"Be better than me, remember the world is full of creeps and dummies, an upside down rook is a queen."
Thank you for your service
Thomas served in the armed forces. We honor that service here.
Dr. Thomas E. Johnston, Ph.D. was known as many things: son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, great-uncle, scientist, musician, pool shark; but in his later years he was best known as Pop-Pop to his six grandchildren and, at the time of his passing, six great-grandchildren.
Raised by parents Catherine and Emmett in upstate New York, he learned a love of reading and debate. His curiosity led him on many adventures with his friends and powered his willingness to try new things. With just a few lessons, he went on to become a talented musician who could play jazz standards and original compositions on the piano.
He met his future bride in their hometown of Olean, and they married after he attended college at St. Bonaventure University (NY) and earned his doctorate in Chemistry at Purdue University (IN). He began work as a chemist with DuPont in Delaware. His work eventually produced multiple patents including ones for additives to replace lead in gasoline, an ecological imperative in the 1970s.
He and Juanita, his lifelong love, raised four children while moving around the country as his career progressed beyond the lab. International sales sent him around the world, and he shared what he learned about different cultures and countries with his family. Eventually, they settled in Lake County OH.
A devout Catholic and former Marine, he lived by a strong code of ethics and conduct and held himself and those he loved to a high standard. Doing the right thing and defending the truth were worth the cost to him.
He shared life lessons in unconventional ways, teaching his children and grandchildren chess, poker, and blackjack. Not one to back away from a fight, he was never happier than when his great-granddaughters growled back at him.
Despite a gruff aspect, no one laughed more or harder than he did.
Semper Fi Marine
*Special thanks to Ohio Living Home Health and Hospice for their beautiful home care. In lieu of donations to the family, please see above link to support their organization.*
Thomas’s life, in a printed book
We design every page from Thomas’s 236 photos. Make it yours, then order a copy for everyone who loved Thomas.
Christmas Carols
The world Thomas knew
Family milestones in gold, history for context
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