Thomas J. Johnston

Obituary of Thomas J. Johnston September 23, 2016 Thomas J. Johnston, Jr., 85, of Fulton, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 23rd. A native of Fulton, he was a graduate of Fulton High School and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Management where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity. Tom also served as an officer in the U.S. Navy stationed in Charleston, SC. He was a business leader whose career began at Johnston’s Hardware Store which was started in 1869 by his grandfather. Tom transitioned the business into what is now known as Johnston’s Propane. He was active in the Fulton community serving on the boards of Fulton Savings Bank, Fulton Chamber of Commerce, A.L. Lee Memorial Hospital, the United Way, Salvation Army, Fulton Y.M.C.A., Fulton Historical Society as well as New York Propane Gas Association and the National Propane Gas Association with which he traveled extensively. In addition to travel, Tom enjoyed his summers at Mexico Point and numerous hobbies. He was a communicant of the former Church of the Immaculate Conception in Fulton which is now Holy Trinity Parish.Tom was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Louise Burke Johnston, his sister, Suzanne Cassidy, a daughter, Kathryn Best, son-in-law, William Best and grandchildren, William, Hillary and Katelyn Best. Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Natalie Rogers Johnston; daughter, Barbara (James) Chapman of Syracuse; sons, Thomas (Corinne) Johnston of Baldwinsville, Timothy Johnston of Phoenix and Jonathan (Amy) Johnston of Jamesville and 13 grandchildren, James, Natalie and William Chapman, Mallory, Andrew, Charlie, Matt, Jack, Brad, Parker, Audrey, Samuel and Tavish Johnston. Calling hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, September 30 at Foster Funeral Home, Inc., 910 Fay Street, Fulton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 1 at Holy Trinity Parish, corner of Rochester and South Third Streets, Fulton and burial with military honors at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fulton. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter, 441 West Kirkpatrick Street, Syracuse, NY 13204-1305.