Chester J. Johnston

HOLDEN – Chester J. Johnston, Jr., 87, passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2012, at the Lutheran Healthcare Center in Worcester with his loving wife by his side.

He leaves his wife of 63 years, Rita B. (Bard) Johnston; a daughter, Donna R. Johnston of Worcester; a son, James C. Johnston and his wife Deborah of Spencer; four brothers, Max Johnston of Presque Isle, Maine, Carol Johnston of Green, Maine, Geary Johnston of Missouri and Preston Johnston of Caribou, Maine; a sister, Madge Bowman of Ohio; two grandchildren, James E. Johnston of West Brookfield and Nicole Johnston of Vermont; several nephews and nieces. A brother, Everett Johnston, predeceased him.

Chester was born in Presque Isle, Maine, the son of Chester J. and Annie Y. (Nedd) Johnston, Sr. and had lived in Leicester before moving to Holden in 1982. He graduated from Presque Isle High School and the Baronian School of Clock and Watch Making in Philadelphia. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. Chester was a watchmaker by trade and he owned and operated Johnston Jewelers in Worcester for many years. Previously, he worked at Sharfmans Jewelers in Worcester. Chester also worked as a part-time policeman in Leicester. He was a member of the John E. Harkins American Legion Post 42 in Holden and the West Boylston V.F.W. Post 6907. He sang with the Worcester County Light Opera Company. Chester loved singing, listening to music, playing his banjo and working around his yard. He also enjoyed playing pool and other activities at the Holden Senior Center.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday, February 25, at 11 a.m. in St. Francis Episcopal Church, 70 Highland Street (Rte. 31), Holden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lutheran Healthcare Center, Resident Activity Fund, 26 Harvard Street, Worcester, MA 01609. Funeral arrangements are under the care of the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden.