In Memory

Russell Johnston (Assistant Principal)

Russell H. Johnston Jr. of Franklin, a former teacher, coach and high-school principal, died yesterday in his home after a long illness. He was 63. Born in Franklin, Mr. Johnston graduated in 1942 from Franklin High School, where he was president of his senior class. After serving during World War II as a staff sergeant in the Marine Corps, he graduated from Tufts University. He began his career as a mathematics and science teacher in elementary schools in Braintree, and continued to teach those subjects in Needham schools for 20 years. He eventually became an assistant principal at Needham High School, where he was also a football and basketball coach.

He was principal of Medfield High School from 1972 to 1973.

For the past eight years, Mr. Johnston had owned and operated the Johnston Home Improvement Co. of Franklin.

A Needham resident for most of his life, he was a Needham Town Meeting member and a member of the Exchange Club in Needham.

He leaves his wife, Marjorie L. (Johnson); a son, Russell H. 3d, of Needham; two daughters, Lindsay B. Sparkes of Orefield, Pa., and Cynthia J. Johnston of Brooklyn, N.Y.; a sister, Barbara Hutchinson of Franklin; and four grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Federated Church of Franklin. Burial will be in West Wrentham Cemetery.

© Copyright 2003 Globe Newspaper Company, Date: May 15, 1988 Page: 55 Section: OBITUARY