Joseph C. Johnston

OGDENSBURG — Joseph C. Johnston, 64, of Ogdensburg, died Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011, at E. J. Noble Hospital in Gouverneur, N.Y.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7 at the First Presbyterian Church, Ogdensburg with the Rev. Laurena Will officiating. Interment will follow at the Ogdensburgh Cemetery.

Joseph is survived by his sister, Eleanor Johnston Sears, Hendersonville; a niece, Sandra Sears and husband Tom Gargano of Hampton, N.H.; a nephew, Steven Sears and wife Kimberly of Charlotte; cousins, Judith Porter and husband Roderick of Ogdensburg, NY; Jane Smithers of Elbridge, NY; George Hartmann and wife Kathy of Chapel Hill; Karen Maury of Silver Spring, Md.; John Hartmann of Great Cacapon, W.Va.; Helen Lichtwart of Milton, Mass.; grand-nephews, Tyler, Nathan and Elijah Sears.

Joseph was born May 21, 1947, the son of J. Gilmour "Gilly" and Helen Craig Johnston. He graduated from Ogdensburg Free Academy in 1965. He earned both his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1969, and his Masters Degree in 1970, from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, N.Y. Joseph worked as a mechanical engineer for the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Mich. and then at the Harry Diamond Research Labs in Silver Spring, Md.

A member of the First Presbyterian Church, he also supported many community functions and activities. He had been an avid reader with special interest in the Civil War. He also enjoyed golf and downhill skiing. His dry sense of humor and phenomenal memory will be missed by all who knew him.

Allen-Nichols Funeral Home, Ogdensburg, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Ogdensburg Lions Club, c/o Douglas Dupree, P.O. Box 252, Ogdensburg, NY 13669.