Johnston

Robert J. Johnston, 74, of Byron Center Road, Emlenton, Allegheny Township, a long-time Emlenton area businessman, died at 12:30 a.m. Sunday at Golden Living in Shippenville.

Born Aug. 11, 1933, in Pittsburgh he was the son of Charles H. and Caroline Bodack Johnston.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of Knox and had served the church as a Branch President and District President. Mr. Johnston was active in several aspects of the church, especially in missionary work.

He was the builder and developer of Squaw Valley Woodlands in Allegheny Township.

He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan and sports enthusiast. He was also an accomplished musician, playing the saxophone, piano, and organ.

Mr. Johnston was a United States Army Veteran, having served during the Korean War as a paratrooper.

He was a member of the Miller-Rankin American Legion Post 636 in Foxburg.

He is survived by his wife, LaVerne Berberich Johnston, whom he married in Pittsburgh Sept. 17, 1955. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two nephews, Charles H. Johnston III and Shawn Johnston, both of Lower Burrell; a niece, Rhonda Berberich of Allison Park; three great-nephews and a great-niece, and two sisters-in-law, Marian Berberich of Allison Park and Donna Johnston of Lower Burrell.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Johnston was preceded in death by a brother, Charles H. Johnston Jr.; and a brother-in-law, Ronald E. Berberich.

<B>JOHNSTON</B>— Friends of Robert J. Johnston, who died Sunday, July 27, 2008, will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the <B>Hile Funeral Home</B>, 1204 Kerr Ave., Emlenton.Funeral services will at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with President Brent Olson, Branch President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Knox and President William Wetzel, Branch President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Ridgway, officiating.Burial will take place at Ridgelawn Cemetery in North Hills, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County.Memorial contributions may be made to the Emlenton Area Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 346, Emlenton PA, 16373, the Emlenton Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 371, Emlenton, PA 16373, or the Eau Claire Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 43, Eau Claire, PA 16030.Condolences may be sent to localfamilies@hilefuneralhome.com.