Columbus, OH — Charles J. Johnston, 87, of Dupont, Pa., died March 30, 2023, at River Run Nursing and Rehabilitation, Kingston, from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease.

Charles J. Johnston, 87, of Dupont, Pa., died March 30, 2023. Provided photo.

Mr. Johnston was born in Sandy Ridge to the late Mr. Edward and Twila Bigleman Johnston. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Mary Dolores Misciagna; daughters, Lisa Johnston-Lentini, Jacqueline Dauplaise, and Mary Frances; grandchildren, Krystal Lentini, Stephanie Dauplaise, and Nicole (Tom) Mendonca; great-granddaughter, Charlotte Grace; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Johnston was preceded in death by his brothers, Phillip, Francis, and Terrance; and sisters, Patricia Litzinger, Ruth, Coyler and Barbara Ann (Sister M. Paulita, CSR).

Following his graduation from Gallitzen High School, Mr. Johnston enrolled in the U.S. Air Force to serve his country. After his time in the military, he gained employment with American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T), where over the course of 29 years he moved into management and supervised underground networks throughout New England.

A well-rounded individual, Mr. Johnston was health conscious and involved in athletics from jogging to judo. With his wife, he owned and operated a dojo in Killingworth, Conn. (Dynamic Judo), for several years. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston competed at the national level, their children also taking part in many tournaments.

In addition to his involvement in athletics, he had a love for all animals. After discovering his first horse was a Standardbred race horse, he quickly learned about and worked to become an owner/trainer/driver of these horses. He raced many years on the New England circuit. His first race was at Green Mountain, then mainly Hinsdale and Monticello, where he was stabled for many years until he moved to Pocono Downs. His main interest was racing trotters. His favorite trotter was a converted pacer named Pimiento Hanover, who won many races at Pocono. He raced for several years as an owner/trainer, then moved his horses to Linda Kakaley, when he was diagnosed with dementia.

Mr. Johnston’s natural affinity for animals was translated into a holistic approach to his training. His animals have been a source of joy to him in his retirement and during his illness.

Mr. Johnston was raised in a very religious family and developed a profound love for God, which continued throughout his life. He loved to share stories about his beliefs and would often be heard speaking of God or reminding those around him to “Look up and say thank you!”

His love of children inspired him to become a long-term benefactor to Shriners Hospital for Children. He was a member of St. Maria Goretti Church, Laflin.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.