Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a celebration of life and memorial service to honor Kevin J. Johnston, 58, of Manchester, formerly of Brick and Iselin, who passed away unexpectedly on April 18, 2013. Family will receive guests from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, at Redeemer Lutheran Church of Manchester, 2309 Route 70, with the service to immediately follow.
Born in Newark, NJ, Kevin was raised in Iselin and was a 1972 graduate of JFK Memorial High School where he met his future wife Lynn. Kevin was an accomplished soccer player, receiving all-state honors for the 1971 season. He went on to share his love of the sport not only with his children, but as a dedicated, long-time coach for the Colonia Youth Soccer Association. He was also a proud member of The Birdmen, a Woodbridge Township Recreation League softball team.
Kevin was passionate about playing darts and participated in numerous leagues in Woodbridge Township and the Jersey shore area. His other big passion was fishing, whether on the ocean for tuna or on a lake for bass. He enjoyed participating in tournaments and pursuing the “big one” either on his own boat in Jersey or on a charter while on vacation. Golf was another interest that he pursued in later years. Kevin was a fan of the Giants AND Jets, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame and the NY Yankees. One of his greatest joys was passing his enthusiasm and knowledge of sports on to his children and grandchildren. Kevin loved king crab legs, his Mom’s stuffed cabbage, Boston cream pie, chocolate pudding (cooked, with the skin) and an ice cold Bud. He enjoyed music ranging from Jethro Tull, Crosby, Stills and Nash and “The Boss” to Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion and even Garth Brooks. Kevin wore out a vhs tape and a dvd of his favorite movie, The Thing from Another World, with James Arness, not to be confused with the remake starring Kurt Russell. Kevin also enjoyed spending lazy Sundays with Lynn at the beach and Martell’s Tiki Bar in Point Pleasant.
Kevin was employed for many years as a manager with Newark Truck Parts, Newark NJ. After the business closed he continued his career in the trucking industry as a parts manager and sales professional.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Lynn Stief Johnston, his loving children, Kelly Roxas of Toms River and Brian Johnston and wife Iris, of North Bergen; cherished grandchildren Alexis Roxas, Anthony, Devin and Jasmine Johnston; and loving parents Joseph and Marie Johnston of Estero, Florida. Kevin will also be greatly missed by his sister Patti Johnston of Somerset; and brothers Kenneth and wife Bonnie of East Northport, NY and Scott Johnston of Boardman Ohio, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. In addition to his quick wit and sense of humor, he will be remembered for his kindness, his willingness to offer a helping hand, his ability to talk to anyone and to make them feel comfortable: never a stranger, always a friend.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kevin’s memory to Hometown Heroes, 27 Washington Street, Toms River NJ 08753, www.njhometownheroes.org, or to your favorite charity.
To post a tribute please visit www.andersoncampbell.com.
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