Obituary of Raymond J. Johnston, Sr.

Raymond J. Johnston, Sr.  

Raymond James Johnston Sr. of Royersford, Pennsylvania, formerly of the Roxborough section of Philadelphia, passed away Friday, December 6, 2024.

Born in Philadelphia on December 2, 1932, he was the youngest of five children of the late James and Caroline (nee Rowley) Johnston.

Ray, as he was referred to by family and friends, was genuinely kind, generous, patient, caring, selfless, soft spoken and a truly good person who would do anything to help others. He loved his family immensely, especially his four granddaughters; enjoyed watching football (particularly the Philadelphia Eagles and college games); and was an impeccable dresser. A hard worker and firm believer in the importance of education, he instilled a strong work ethic in his children and grandchildren. Never without a book in his hand, he was an avid reader and had a passion for reading, especially history and nonfiction books. While he was proud of his Irish and Scottish heritage, he became “Italian” through marriage, adopting a love for Italian family traditions and his wife’s cooking.


Ray attended Saint John’s High School before transferring to and graduating from Roxborough High School where he was a stand-out football player and versatile athlete. While he was awarded a full scholarship to Villanova University to play football, his plans took a detour after he sustained injuries that made playing an impossibility. 

It was at Roxborough High School where he met Josephine, the love of his life. They married shortly after high school and Ray embarked on a successful career in sales with Hazel Bishop Cosmetic Company. When the company relocated to the mid-west, Ray opted to remain in the Philadelphia area close to family and friends and continued working in sales. Committed to furthering his education, eventually he returned to school at night, acquired his license in real estate and became a mortgage banker. Diligent and conscientious, Ray ultimately became a real estate investor and established mortgage companies in South Jersey, while Josephine managed their business, Laura’s Fudge, in Ocean City. While he struggled with illnesses in his later years, Ray continued to cheer his granddaughters’ endeavors from a distance, encouraged his children and grandchildren to do their best in life, was always happy for others’ successes, and never had an unkind word to say to or about anyone. He was adored by all who knew him!
 

He is survived by his daughter Laura Lynn LaBella (Ed Thomas) of Royersford, son Raymond Johnston, Jr. of Royersford, daughter Maria (Christopher) Kelly of Phoenixville, granddaughters Nicole (Joe) Betti, and Skylar Jude, Ava Jude and Christina Jude Kelly, sister Maryellen O’Hara of Boyertown, and many nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Josephine, brother James Johnston, and sisters Claire Johnston and Margaret Jesberger.


Family and friends are invited to pay respects on Friday, December 13, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM at Saint Matthew Roman Catholic Church, 219 Fayette Street, Conshohocken, PA. His Funeral Mass will commence in the church at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, PA.

Arrangements by Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 300 Fayette Street, Conshohocken, PA, (610) 828-0330.