John Robert Johnston Jr.

John Robert Johnston Jr., age 73, lifelong resident of Avon Lake, Ohio and most recently Englewood, Florida passed away peacefully Monday February 19, 2024. He was born September 21, 1950, to parents John Robert and Ellen (nee Thomas) Johnston.

Rob proudly grew up on Forest Boulevard surrounded by cousins and neighborhood friends and was a 1969 graduate of Avon Lake High School where he was often known as “lips” due to the ring around his mouth from playing the trumpet in band. He was also a member of the Mermen and other ensembles at

Avon Lake under the direction of his dear lifelong friend, Ernie Hisey. He was also a member of several bands in high school including Sounds of Now and The Orange. Alongside his cherished cousin, John Gliva, he played on the high school football team. He was a passionate musician and began attending the Ohio State University to pursue a degree in music but returned home to provide support to his family on the unexpected passing of his two younger sisters. Rob began working at Kavco Materials as a towmotor driver and quickly rose through the ranks becoming an accomplished sales professional where he met his future wife Brenda on a business trip to St. Louis. Rob later took ownership of the company, and it became known as Westlake Metal Industries. He parlayed his knowledge of metals into a forging company in Columbus known as Johnston Metals.

While keeping busy traveling between Westlake and Columbus, Rob made time to earn his pilot’s license, including a commercial pilot endorsement, and enjoyed flying family to many wonderful vacation destinations and running chartered flights. Along with his dad, Rob ran the Ashland County Airport for many years. He also enjoyed boating on Lake Erie and Middle Bass Island and was a member of the Avon Lake Boat Club. Throughout his life, music remained an ever-present joy. Rob was a vocalist and guitarist for the Stratophonics, WHK 1420AM radio’s house band in the 1980’s, and played many concerts at community festivals around the Cleveland area and at Geauga Lake. He also enjoyed singing with classical music groups including Cleveland Chamber Singers and various church choirs, and most recently was director of the Windjammers band. He passed this love for the universal language of music to his children and grandchildren, which he considered a great accomplishment.

Rob is survived by his beloved wife of almost 50 years, Brenda (nee Wilkins) Johnston, loving father of Tim Felker (Misty), Angela Knox (Ron), Karen Averell (Brian), Kathy Walker (Steve), and the late David Felker; cherished grandfather of 14 and great-grandfather of two; dear brother of Chris Johnston (Janet) and the late Roger Johnston (Barb), Linda and Leslie. He is also survived by many cherished family members in the Welland, Niagara Falls, and St. Catherine’s areas of Canada where his mother was born and raised.

Memorial contributions in Rob’s honor are suggested to Safe Harbor Animal Rescue, 15901 Darrow Road, Vermilion, Ohio 44089; checks payable to Safe Harbor Animal Rescue; paypal: Info@safeharboranimalrescue.org; venmo: @safeharboranimalrescue.org (Michelle Price 7070 to verify).

Family will receive friends for visitation on Monday, February 26, 2024 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm at Busch Funeral Home, 163 Avon Belden Rd, Avon Lake, OH 44012. Funeral service will be Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 11:00am at the funeral home with visitation from 10:00am until the funeral service. Burial will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst, OH. www.buschcares.com 440-933 3202