May 2, 2021

Raymond Patrick Johnston, 85, of Hickory, passed away April 29, 2021, in his home.

Raymond was born St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1936, to George E. and Hannah Johnston.

He was a graduate of Midway High School and Washington and Jefferson College. He obtained his doctorate in education from the University of Pittsburgh. He played football at Midway and W&J where he was named an All-American and in the first class to be inducted into W&J’s Hall of Fame.

He spent his career at the Fort Cherry School District where he taught Special Education and coached football. He retired from teaching after 30 years and returned to school full time to obtain his Principal Certificate from California University of Pennsylvania. Returning to Fort Cherry, he became principal for many years, retiring as principal emeritus to recognize the many lives he positively influenced in the classroom and on the football field.

Ray married his high school sweetheart, Emma, and they enjoyed 63 wonderful years together. After retirement they traveled to all 50 states in their motor home and many countries overseas. At home they worked their Angus farm outside of Hickory, rode bikes and took many dance classes together. Ray was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, past president of the Hickory Lions Club and the Montour Trail Council where he maintained the McDonald section of the trail for 25 years.

He is survived by his wife, Emma; brother, Tom; and children, Barry (Carolyn) Johnston, Stephanie (Scott) Colcombe and Heather (Grant) Palmer; grandchildren, Allison (Jed) Johnston, Caroline Johnston, Tom, Alazanna and Hannah Colcombe, Gray, Kolby and Sage Palmer; and great-grandchildren, Beau and Estelle; along with many nieces and nephews that he enjoyed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Paul and James; and sisters, Helen and Mary Jean.

Friends and family will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 2, in Thomas-Little Funeral Service, Inc., 314 W. Lincoln Avenue, McDonald, 724-926-2800. A blessing service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 3, in the funeral home. Interment will follow the service in Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Montour Trail Council, montourtrail.org, Visiting Angels, 332 W. Pike Street, Canonsburg, PA 15317 or Pilgrimage Hospice, 200 Cedar Ridge Drive, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15205.