Robert E. Johnston

Johnston, Robert E., 87, of Melbourne, FL., died July 25.     Melbourne, FL – Robert E. Johnston, of Melbourne FL and Gouverneur NY, passed away in Melbourne FL on Wednesday, July 25, 2007, after a long illness.  The son of Edward F. and Olive Stevens Johnston, he was born on February 21, 1920 in Fort Fairfield ME.
    He attended schools in Easton ME and graduated from th University of Maine with a degree in Agriculture Economics and Farm Management.  He was a member of th Phi Eta Kappa fraternity. Robert taught at the high school level and coached basketball, baseball, and track in Mapleton ME for seventeen years.  He then moved to Gouverneur NY, where he continued teaching as head of the agriculture and industrial arts departments at Gouverneur High School for nineteen years.  His teaching career was filled with many achievements and honors, surrounding championship sports teams and exceptional young farmers.
    In Maine, Bob was Past Master of the Washburn AF and AM Masonic Lodge, founder of the Mapleton Lions Club, and King Lion and District Officer for many years.  In Gouverneur NY he was a member of the Elks Lodge.  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Gouverneur and Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Melbourne FL.
    An avid member of the SPEBSQSA for 36 years, Bob served as Chapter President, Board Member, and Area Councilor.  In Florida he sang with the quartet, “Anytime-Anyplace”, with the Great Canaveral Chapter, and with the Space Coast Chorus.  In New York, he sang with the Canton Goldenaires Chorus.
    Robert is survived by his wife of 60 years, Inez Perkins Johnston of Melbourne and Gouverneur; his son, Timothy J. and partner, Koni Peterson of Murrayville GA; his daughter, Lisa Jane and her husband, Alfred J. Netto of Gouverneur NY; sister, Celia Bonville of Pawcatuck CT; brother, Edward and his wife, Jean Marie of Milford ME; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; cousins; nieces; and nephews.  He was predeceased by his daughter, Joan Lee; and his brother, H. Stillman “Tim” Johnston.
    Memorial donations may be made to the Joan Johnston Memorial Fund, c/o First United Methodist Church, Grove Street, Gouverneur NY 13642.  Arrangements entrusted to South Brevard Funeral Home, Melbourne FL.