ONEONTA — Edward James Johnston, of Oneonta passed away at his home on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at the age of 72.

He was born in Schenectady, at Ellis Hospital on August 3, 1947, the son of Edward Alexander and Genevieve (Irish) Johnston.

Ed moved with his family to Otsego County, NY at an early age, graduated from Oneonta High School in 1965 and attended Central City Business Institute in Syracuse. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Ed served his country from 1967 to 1970, including a tour of Vietnam with the 192nd AHC.

He married Joanne Marie Krollman, at Camp LeJeune, NC on March 21, 1970.  He was a hardworking family man, a loving father and grandfather who would do anything for his family. An eternal pessimist, Ed always saw the glass as half empty, and wanted to fill it.

Upon discharge from the Army, Ed joined his family's business, Center Street Food Store until it was sold in 1987. He owned and operated Johnston's Refrigerated Trucking, followed by driving for Oneonta Bus Lines. He ended his professional driving career with Riddell Bros. and NFI. In retirement Ed was an avid family genealogy researcher, successfully locating missing relatives of family and friends.

Ed is survived by his wife, Joanne; two sons Edward James Johnston Jr. (Tracy) of Arcade, NY; Christopher Richard Johnston (Mei) of Seattle, WA; two wonderful grandchildren, Cassidy and Riley. He is also survived by his sister, Judith Ann Mac Lachlan (Alan) of Mt. Vision, NY; sister-in-law Therese (Robert) Mac Donell; brothers-in-law Richard (Virginia) Krollman and John (Michele) Krollman, all of Amherst, NY and several nieces and nephews.

Ed wished to extend his thanks to the Coppolas and Krollmans for allowing him to be part of their family.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2020 at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.

The Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Saturday, February 29, 2020 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 39 Walnut St., Oneonta, with the Rev. David Mickiewicz, as celebrant.

Interment with military honors will be 1 p.m., Saturday, August 1, 2020 at the Columbarium at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Oneonta.

In gratitude for all their assistance memorial donations in Ed's name can be made to Oneonta Fire Department Rescue Fund, c/o Chief Pidgeon, 79 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com