Russell Frederick Johnston, 90, of Sebastian, FL, passed away July 2, 2016.

He was born January 30, 1926 in Pittsfield, MA to Ellis F. Johnston and Elfrieda Dahlhaus. Russ graduated from Pittsfield High School, Pittsfield, MA in 1947. He was a Private First Class in Headquarters Company 2nd Battalion 386th Infantry Regiment from 23 March 1944 through 2 May 1946, where he served his country as an Anti-Tank Gun Crewman. Russ then went on to graduate from Graceland College, Lamoni, Iowa with an Associate's Degree in 1952 and then on to Kansas State College of Pittsburg, and received a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education on August 6, 1964.

During his long life, Russ taught music in public school in North Harrison School District, MO and North Colonie School District, New York. He was a member of Toast Masters International and a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Course in Effective Speaking, Leadership Training, and The Art of Winning Friends and Influencing People. He retired from General Electric in Pittsfield, MA, January 30, 1988.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 26 years, Gladys Johnston. He is survived by Gladys' daughters, Anne Sperlonga of Otis, MA and Christine Downs of Gardner, MA; his first wife of 30 years, Betty Johnston and their children, Tana Johnston of Houston, TX; Lila McGovern of Spencer, OK; Neil Johnston of Norman, OK; Cheryl Sewell of Duncanville, AL and Laura Boggs of Vero Beach, FL. He has 16 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story is asked to visit Russ's memorial page at www.seawindsfh.com