Edward H. “Ted” Johnston, 78, Ret. Cpt. WFD, of Scituate, RI and Fort Myers, FL, passed away on May 16, 2023. He was the husband of Carolyn (Sprague) Johnston.
Born in Providence, RI, son of the late Howard E. Johnston and the late Edna R. (Charette) Johnston. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Jerimy Johnston, Charles “Chuck” Johnston (fiancé Melissa), his daughter Jamie Sue Clark (son-in-law Nathan Clark), and his grandsons, Jerimyah and Stephen Johnston, Benjamin Clark, Robert and Tyler Mitchell. He was the brother of Claire Johnston Ramieri (Kenneth Ramieri) and the late Shirley Johnston Joubert. Ted has many cousins, nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and he loved every one, even though he called each of them “his favorite.”
He was a Vietnam era veteran serving honorably in the U.S. Army. During his deployment he was involved in many difficult missions including escorting the remains of fallen soldiers back to their families.
He proudly served on the Warwick Fire Department beginning 1/2/72 and retiring 1/24/99 as a Captain of Engine Company 5 with more than 25 years of dedicated service. He was a past Vice President of Local 2748 of the Fire Fighters Union and Secretary of the Warwick Retired Fire Fighters Association.
An avid fisherman and a member of the Bass Masters Club of RI, he competed successfully in many fishing tournaments and spent many happy hours on his boat. An excellent mechanic, he restored cars, once owned a service station and was a member of the Falcon Club. Whatever was broken, Ted could fix it.
He spent many years camping, fishing, boating, and playing cards with his friends and relatives creating unforgettable memories. He loved dogs and raised German Shepherds, Dobermans, and Rottweilers over the years. He leaves Bandit, his most recent furry friend.
Ted loved people and would converse with everyone he encountered. He will be greatly missed by many. Special thank you to Ann and Frank Ricci, Bill Leonard, and Bobby Bell for their support.
Rest in peace, Uncle Ted.
His funeral was held on Thursday, May 25, at the Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Spring Green, Warwick. Burial with military honors was in the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital Foundation, Development Office, P.O. Box H, Providence, RI 02901. To leave condolence messages, please visit www.barrettandcotter.com
