William L. Johnstone Sr.

William L. Johnstone Sr., 68, of Mahanoy Plane, peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 28th, at home surrounded by his family. Born in Kearny, N.J., he was the youngest son of the late Joseph and Mary Baney Johnstone. He was a graduate of East Orange High School, East Orange, N.J., and attended Montclair State College, Montclair, N.J. Bill was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving as a combat engineer from 1964 to 1967 in Germany. At the time of his retirement, Bill was the postmaster of the Mahanoy City Post Office. Throughout his 37 years with the postal service, Bill also served as the postmaster in Womelsdorf and Tower City. Following his retirement, Bill worked for the Schuylkill County Tax Claim Bureau, he was a driver for Enterprise Rent-a-Car and he also volunteered with Schuylkill County Meals-on-Wheels. Bill was a member of the American Legion, Post #74, Mahanoy City and a range member of the South End Field & Stream Assn. in Frackville. Bill had numerous hobbies and interests. He was an avid reader and he had an enormous book collection. Bill loved watching sports & was a diehard New Orleans Saints fan. He also enjoyed playing softball, which he played throughout his entire life, and he coached little league baseball. Most recently, Bill played for, and was one of the founding members of, the local over-50 Wooden Bat Softball league. Preceding him in death was his wife, Mariane Teresavage Johnstone, who passed away on February 14, 1997; a sister, Helen Johnstone; and a brother, Joseph Johnstone. Bill was extremely devoted to his children and grandchildren. He will forever be lovingly remembered by his three children: a daughter, Jennifer Johnstone of Mahanoy Plane; a son, William L. Johnstone, Jr. and his wife, Casey, of Coaldale; and a son, Joseph Johnstone of Mahanoy Plane; a sister, Sally Davidson of Kearny, N.J.; a sister-in-law, Karen Johnstone, Searsport, ME; five grandchildren: Clarity, Zephaniah, Zoe, Liam and Elijah; and a loving companion, Peggy Carduff of Frackville; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family & friends. Friends and relatives are invited to attend a funeral service on Thursday, December 3rd, beginning at 11:00 a.m. to be held at the Richard W. Fritz Funeral Home, 1323 Centre St., Ashland. Rev. John Wallace, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, Pottsville, will be officiating. Interment will follow with military honors in St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Butler Township. The visitation will be 9-11:00 a.m., prior to the funeral service. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Covenant Home Care for their loving care, support & patience.

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