Thomas Johnston – Class of 1966

Obituary from the Frederick News Post, February 1, 2001
Courtesy of Linda Sue (Kelly) Atwell, Class of 1964

Mr. Thomas Russell Johnston, 52, or North Granby, Conn., formerly of Winsted, Conn., died Sunday, Jan. 28 in a sailplane accident.

He was the husband of Barbara Lyon Johnston. Born in Washington, he was a son of Patricia Mullen Johnston of Frederick, and the late Fred R. Johnston.

Mr. Johnston grew up in Rockville and graduated from Robert E. Peary High School and the University of Cincinnati Engineering School in 1972.

He lived in Winsted for 10 years, moving to North Granby 14 years ago. He was employed as an aerospace engineer at Hamilton Standard for 22 years before starting his own engineering business, Data Solutions.

Mr. Johnston enjoyed his family and flying. He was a hang gliding pilot for 25 years and also had his private aircraft pilots license, and was flying sailplanes for the past several years.

He was a member of the Soaring Society of America, the U.S. Hang Gliding Association, Connecticut Hang Gliding Association and the Nutmeg Soaring Society.

Surviving in addition to his wife and mother are three children, Kara E. Johnston of Atlanta, Ga., and Alita Johnston and Ted Johnston, both at home; two brothers, Fred R. Johnston III and wife Valorie, and Andrew M. Johnston and wife Kathy, all of Frederick; one sister, Jeri Kalins and husband David of Frederick; and several nieces and nephews.

The family [received] friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, at Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home, 364 Salmon Brook St., Granby, Conn. Funeral services [were] held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mark Diters officiating. Interment in Granby Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Wide Horizons For Children. 38 Edge Hill Road, Waltham, Mass. 02154.