Henry Grant Johnston
1924-2024
Henry Grant Johnston, 100, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. He was born on July 20, 1924 in Readsboro, VT, the son of William Earl Johnston and Patience Stokes Johnston. Henry graduated from Middletown High School in 1942. During WWII, he served with the Battery B, 552nd Field Artillery Battalion in Europe. After his discharge, he entered the Reserve Corps and was then 'called up' to serve in Korea, where he served with Company D, 2nd Engineer Combat Battalion. After his time in Korea, he continued in the Reserves until receiving an honorable discharge in June 1956. When talking about his war experiences, Henry often recalled that he'd spent the coldest winter in history in Korea, and the wettest summer in history in Europe - and that he'd spent his 20th birthday in a foxhole filled with water in France. Henry married Irma Ione Spencer on September 10,1949 at the Congregational Church in Centerbrook, CT, and they were married for 68 years until her passing in 2017. They renewed their vows at the same church for their 60th anniversary, which was a memorable event for the many family and friends who attended.
In addition to his beloved wife, Henry was predeceased by six of his siblings: Shirley, James, Harold, Bessie, Laura Evelyn, and Richard. He is survived by his brother, Charles. In addition, he is survived by his son Henry, Jr. and his wife, Nancy; his daughter, Marie; his son Paul and his wife, Nancy; his grandchildren: Sean (Tracy), Kate (Tim), Molly (Dan), Thomas (Cindy), Tara, and Michael (Diana); and his great-grandchildren: Phoebe, Tighe, Natalie, Tess, Spencer, Sydney, Selena, Lilyana, and Alexa.
Henry and Irma raised their family in Cromwell, CT in the house Henry built in 1950. They spent much time every summer at their cottage in Westbrook, CT. Henry worked as a carpenter, and as postman, followed by a long career (31 years) as a sheet metal mechanic at Pratt & Whitney – retiring in 1987. Henry was generous with his time and talents. He helped numerous family and friends build or repair their homes over the years. It was not unusual for him to arrive for a visit with a basket filled with vegetables from the large garden he maintained each year, some canned goods, and a toolbox.
Henry was a classic Yankee in that he was thrifty and resourceful. He pulled nails out of used wood to reuse them later, and never threw away a scrap of wood – just in case it could be used later. He was steady, reliable, and predictable (he was a man of routines!). He was also practical - but one can't deny that his stubbornness got in the way at times. Although slender throughout his life, Henry had a sweet tooth. His grandchildren fondly remember that he always insisted on two cookies; one for each hand. In recent years, he enjoyed sharing jelly packets ('jellying') with his great-grandchildren and couldn't get his fill of mini-Hershey bars.
Henry was a curious person. He read the Hartford Courant front to back every day and kept up with all the news – especially sports news. In fact, he loved all sports – he played baseball when he was young, and later watched his grandchildren play countless baseball, softball, and field hockey games. He was a life-long Red Sox fan, as well as a fan of UCONN boys and girls basketball. Henry was also very thoughtful. He made a point of remembering everyone's specific interests (related to jobs or sports most likely), and then bringing those topics up in conversation. He cut out coupons to share (from diaper coupons for the youngsters to food items that you might have mentioned you liked). He and Irma went apple picking every fall, and you could expect to find a bag of apples hanging on your door (with whatever type of apple it was that he knew you preferred) following such excursions.
Henry had a great memory, including an amazing recall of sports facts and information about people (their names, their siblings names, where they went to college, who they married, etc.) He collected baseball cards, stamps, and coins, and enjoyed bird watching. His needs were simple: a hot cup of coffee every morning, the daily newspaper, and the knowledge that all his loved ones were safe and sound. Henry was a devoted member of the First Congregational Church for 80 years. For many years, he made the coffee for the reception after Sunday services and was ultimately presented with a golden scooper in recognition of his efforts. We were thrilled to be able to share Henry's 100th birthday with him. Many family and friends were in attendance, including local members of the American Legion, who acknowledged his 80 years of membership. In addition, state representative, Christie Carpino, presented Henry with an official citation, and James Demetriades, the mayor of Cromwell, presented him with a proclamation declaring that July 20, 2024 was 'Henry Johnston Day" in Cromwell. Henry was a kind, decent, good man: a one-of-a- kind. He was a wonderful husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. He will be truly missed. How lucky we were to have him until the ripe old age of 100! The many fond memories we have of him will keep him in our hearts forever.
A Memorial Service, followed by a luncheon, will be held at the First Congregational Church, 355 Main Street, Cromwell, CT at 11:00 on Saturday, September 14, 2024. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church, 355 Main Street, Cromwell, CT 06416.
Hartford Courant