Arthur A. Johnston

Johnston

Arthur Allan Johnston, 76, of Montville, CT passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. Artie was born on Tuesday, July 13, 1948 in New London, CT at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital. He is the son of the late Arthur & Mary Johnston of New London.

Artie was a lifelong resident of southeastern Connecticut and he graduated from New London High School (NLHS) in June of 1966. At NLHS he was a record setting breaststroker on the swim team, however his real joy came from hitting the premier ski slopes of New England. Moreover, he was a charter member of the Quo-Vadis’ fraternal organization founded in 1965 in the College Heights neighborhood of New London where he was fondly known of as Chop. He was also famous for his big red roadster (a 1963 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible) which prowled the confines of the four local drive-ins.

He was also a US Navy veteran during the Vietnam War Era where he served as a radioman (RM) at the Navy Support Activity Naples, Italy (1970-1972) and aboard the USS Brumby–DE 1044 (1972-1974) out of Charleston, SC. After his discharge from the Navy, he worked as a machinist for several local industries including Electric Boat. Subsequently, he moved on to Pfizer’s in Groton, where he enjoyed a first-rate 34-year career as a millwright.

Artie spent many years coaching his sons through the Police Athletic League (P.A.L.), starting with Derek at t-ball and working his way up through the years. As Derek finished his P.A.L. career, Kevin began his. Artie affectionately earned the nickname Coach, which lasted well after his coaching days finished from all his “kids” that learned from him.

In terms of sports, Artie was extremely passionate when it came to the Boston Bruins, the NY Yankees, and the NY Giants. His favorite triumph came in Super Bowl XLII in 2008 when the Giants beat Tom Brady and the Patriots 17-14. He is survived by his sons Derek Johnston and his wife Sarah Johnston of Montville, CT, Kevin Johnston and his wife Tina Johnston of Riverton, CT, Derek & Kevin’s Mother Betty Arnold of Macon, GA., his partner Helen Davis of Montville, CT, his sister Lila Nicholson of Oakdale, CT, and his niece Janine Parisi of Groton, CT. He also has three loving grandchildren, Matthew, Jacksyn, and Elizabeth who adored their jovial bearded grandfather.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.