Obituary of Charles E. Johnston

Warrensburg: Charles Edward “Chuck” Johnston, IV, 66, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at his home, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer. Born November 8, 1948 in Mount Vernon, he was the son of the late Charles E. Johnston and Marjorie (Schwartz) Johnston. Chuck grew up in River Vale, N.J., and spent many summers with his family in Brant Lake. He graduated from Pascack Hills High School, then attended Teterboro School of Aeronautics, where he trained as an airplane mechanic; he also apprenticed as an electrician with George Roberge. In 1970, Chuck enlisted in the United States Air Force, completing basic training in Texas, before honorably serving his country in Japan and Okinawa. Upon his discharge from the Air Force, Chuck moved to Warrensburg, where he opened CEJ Power Equipment, a small engine repair business. Chuck and his wife, Cindy, currently own and operate Chestertown Auto & Truck Supply, INC (NAPA). A man of many abilities, Chuck took great pleasure in gardening, hunting and fishing. He was an excellent cook, and enjoyed making delicious meals for his family, and was a talented craftsman, with the ability to build almost anything, including birdfeeders that surround his home; the birds were always well fed. Playing cards was also amongst his favorite pastimes, as he proudly held the title of the family’s indisputable pinochle champion. Chuck was an animal lover with a soft spot for labs, and was fond of all of his “grand pets”, Haley, Pebbles, Sam, PepperAnn, and Ollie. He was an honorary member of the Warrensburg Volunteer Fire Company, and former Post Commander of the American Legion Post 446. He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Cindy (Perry) Johnston, and the apples of his eye, his two adored daughters, Christy Leigh (Jeffrey) and Casey Lyne (Erika). He is also deeply loved by his sisters, Judy Johnston, Marge (Robert) Adams; his brother, John (Karen) Johnston; sisters-in-law, Sunny (Richard) Lyon, Kathy (Roy) Goldsmith, Darcy (Paul) Springer, and Amy (Lou) Zahra. He is also survived by 14 nieces and nephews, 20 grandnieces and grandnephews, and five “adopted” daughters that he paternally admired, Jen, Kim, Kristin, Tammy, and Vicki “Vickles”. Chuck’s family would like to extend a special thank you to all the doctors, nurses, family, and friends for their support and assistance during his illness, with a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Lisa Gilati, Dr. Richard Agag, Dr. John Rugge, Dr. Suzanne Bergin, and Dr. Michael Bell for their outstanding medical care, High Peaks Hospice for their comfort and consolation during his last days, and lastly, a tremendous thank you to the employees and customers of Chestertown Auto & Truck Supply, INC (NAPA), the foundation of Chuck’s business. Friends may call on Chuck’s family from 6 to 9 pm, Friday, June 5, 2015 at Alexander Funeral Home, Inc., 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A funeral service to celebrate his life will take place at 11 am, Saturday, at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will immediately follow in Warrensburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Chuck’s memory to the Warrensburg Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 371, Warrensburg, NY 12885. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences, and directions.