Ralph Johnston Jr.
Norwich — Ralph William Johnston Jr. left us just after sunset, June 24, 2022. He was born in New Hampshire, March 16, 1940, the second child of Ralph
William Johnston
Sr. and Doris Violet Brown Johnston Bouley. Growing up in Norwich, Ralph attended NFA and later served in the U.S. Army.
Ralph had a lifetime love for the culinary arts. He launched a catering business, along with serving as a chef at the Norwich State Hospital. He later managed food service at the Johnson Home in Norwichtown.
For his true passion, he took to the baseball diamond. In 1999, Ralph was inducted into the Norwich Sports Hall of Fame. Known as “Lefty” on the field, he continued on to coach locally and mentor his children and grandchildren.
Ralph held a great love for his daughter Heather Christine Johnston Nichols; and his son Ralph William Johnston III. He took great delight in his four grandchildren: Samantha Ann Nichols (Samuel Dukes ), Connor Johnston (Tayla Wilson), Keegan Johnston and Jayden Johnston; along with his two great-grandchildren, Scarlett Ann and Cam’ryn Dukes.
With a great devotion to his family and friends, Ralph showed us all what it is to be true and good and worthy of one another. Each one of us will carry his spirit within us. We have been blessed to journey with him.
Ralph leaves behind three sisters, Bettie Lou (John) Sullivan, Mary LaBrecque and Rose Quimet. He also has four nieces: Pamela (Mark Cornell) and Deborah (James Colbert) Sullivan, Lisa LaBrecque (Frank) Riccio and Candace Johnston; and a nephew, Joseph (Shirley) LaBrecque; along with Charlene Ann Johnston, who always meant so much to him; and a steadfast feline Dunkin.
He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Helen Johnston; a brother, Richard Johnston; a brother-in-law, Joseph LaBrecque; and stepfather Raymond Bouley.
Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 30, at the Woyasz & Son Funeral Home, 141 Central Ave., Norwich. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, July 1, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.