Russell Johnston

Russell H. Johnston, 85, of Tottenville, a retired business machine sales manager, decorated Korean War veteran, sports enthusiast and steadfast family man, died Saturday at home.

Born and raised in Detroit, he moved to Tottenville in 1959. He also lived in Hillsboro, Fla., from 1985 until 1989, when he returned to Tottenville.

Mr.Johnston served in the U.S. Army's Infantry Reconnaissance Division as a corporal, and saw duty in the Korean War. He was awarded the Purple Heart.

A member of the Beauvais-Hudson Post, American Legion, he proudly displayed the American flag every day in front of his house, family said.

Mr. Johnston was a national sales manager in the business machine divisions of Panasonic, Toshiba and Mita Copy Star. He also owned Accutone, a toner company, while in Hillsboro. He retired in 1990.

A founding member and former president of the National Office Machine Dealers Association, he also served as president of his condo association in Hillsboro.

Mr. Johnston especially enjoyed his family's appearance as contestants on Family Feud in 1983, and he also created DigitsTM, a board game for adults and children.

He was an avid football fan, devoted New York Yankees fan, and enjoyed playing golf. He also was skilled at horseshoes, winning championships at the annual South Shore Swim Club clambakes. And when his son was young, Mr. Johnston thoroughly enjoyed coaching weekly backyard football games with his son and his friends, family said.

He was fond of reading and visits to Atlantic City with his wife, the former Dorothy (Dottie) Walters.

Mr. Johnson was an active parishioner of Our Lady Help of Christians R.C. Church, Tottenville, where he assisted with bingo, church dances and the annual Holiday Fair.

His son, Russell W. (Rusty), died in 2009.

Services: Our Lady Help of Christian's RC Church Friday, May 15, 2015 11:30AM

Visitation: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Thursday, May 14, 2015 3-8PM

Cemetery: Bethel Cemetery

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home

Church: Our Lady Help of Christians R.C.Church