Theodore Johnston

Theodore "Ted" Johnston, 90, of Saugerties, passed Monday, July 23, 2012 at Ferncliff Nursing Home, Rhinebeck.

He grew up in the Farmingdale, Long Island area, spending many summers at Gilgo beach, he learned how to fish and sail and developed a lifelong love of the Ocean. During WW II, he worked for Republic Aviation building P47 aircraft.

Mr. Johnston had been self employed as a carpenter and contractor. In his early years he worked on many building projects in the Long Island area including Levittown. In the late 50's he moved to this area with his family. He continued his contracting business, working on many projects in Green, Columbia and Dutchess counties, working into his early 80's.

For many years, with his wife Mildred and family, they owned and operated the Hill Top Motel in South Cairo. Mildred passed on March 8, 2003.

He loved all kinds of music, including operas. In retirement he enjoyed traveling to various nursing homes and senior residences, entertaining by singing with the Community Singers and a group led by Sheila Tremper. He was a past member of the Catskill Glee Club, and in retirement had been an active volunteer at the Bon Secour Venice Hospital in Florida.

Born May 23, 1922 in Pittsburg, the son of the late James and Hazel Johnston, he is survived by his sons Harry Seymour of Splendora, TX and Dale Johnston of Purling, NY, a daughter Kristine L. Glass of Saugerties, NY, grandchildren, Gregory Johnston, Taylor and James Glass and two great grandchildren, dear friends Frank Besaw and Shirley Shumate. He will be sorely missed by family and dear friends.


Entrusted to the care of Eric Keyser, Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston. The family will receive their friends on Thursday from 4 - 7 pm. The service will be on Friday at 11 am. Burial in Montrepose Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to WMHT Public Radio, 4 Global View, Troy, NY 12180 www.wmht.org