Obituary of Lincoln Johnston

Lincoln C. Johnston, 90, of Malone, N.Y., passed away peacefully on February 19th, 2018 at his home in Charleston, SC, surrounded by family. He was born on February 12, 1928 in Malone to Sidney C. and Mary Elizabeth (Yando) Johnston. His first years were spent on his family’s farm in Burke, NY. The family moved to Malone, where he graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1945. While in high school he continued to help operate the family farm. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17. Following active duty, he returned to Malone and graduated from Clarkson College in 1955 with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree; he was a New York State Licensed Professional (Civil) Engineer. Early in his career he was employed by the New York Telephone Company, the Village of Malone as Public Works Superintendent (1955-57), New York State Department of Transportation, and the Barrett Division of Allied Chemical Corporation. He was appointed Franklin County Highway Superintendent in 1963 and served a term as President of the New York State County Highway Superintendents Association. In 1977 he was appointed Plant Engineer and Quality Assurance Supervisor at Oswego’s James A. Fitzpatrick Nuclear Power Plant, New York Power Authority. He retired in 1987, returned to Malone and continued to consult with the Authority for several years. Mr. Johnston was active in the military for much of his life. After active duty in the U.S. Navy, he joined the New York Army National Guard (1948-1968) serving as commander for the Malone and Ogdensburg units and operations officer for the 186th Field Artillery Battalion. In 1968, he moved to the U.S. Army Reserves, retiring in 1978 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was a long-time member of Malone’s American Legion Post 219, and Amvets Post 8, where he served as commander. He was a life member (64 years) of the Malone Lodge of Elks (1303). He was a communicant of Notre Dame Church. On November 26, 1953, he married Gisele Jeanneau in Sainte Martine, Quebec; they recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children – Jocelyn Johnston (Dan Lefkowitz) of Charlottesville, VA, Julie Johnston and Gregory Johnston (Renee Pepper) both of Charleston, SC; nine grandchildren: Collin Barletta, Elyse Barletta-Sherwin, Aaron Lefkowitz, Andrea Lefkowitz, David Behuniak, Ross Behuniak, Evan Johnston, Kyle Johnston and Adam Johnston, and one great-granddaughter, Callie Grace Johnston. He is also survived by a sister, Mary Beth (John) Ryan, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Carlton (Marie) and Robert (Karen, deceased). Spending time with family and friends was his greatest joy; he also greatly enjoyed military activities, fishing, wintering in Florida, and was an avid reader. A summer memorial and burial service will be held in Malone, NY in Summer 2018. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Malone Lodge of Elks # 1303.