Merton H. Johnston, 93, of Tilton, NH, and formerly of Nashua, passed away at the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton, Monday afternoon June 22, 2015 after a period of declining health.
Born in Waltham, Massachusetts on February 19, 1922, he was a son of the late George M. and Harriet C. (Townsend) Johnston. Educated in Waltham schools, Mr. Johnston enlisted in Army in October 1942. He served with the 330th Infantry and the 83rd Infantry Division in the European Theater including Normandy and Omaha Beach during World War II. Mr. Johnston was a Purple Heart recipient; and received a European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Star.
After his honorable discharge in February 1945, “Mert” resided in Chelmsford, MA and owned and operated Johnston Welding for over twenty years.
Mr. Johnston was a member of the Disabled American Veterans of Forge Village.
A resident of the New Hampshire Veterans Home for the past three years, Mert
previously made his home in Nashua from 1997 to 2012.
Mert was predeceased by his wife, Jeanne V. (Biron) Schofield Johnston who died August 27, 2003; his sister, Theresa Dufresne; and sister-in-law, Irene Andruskevich.
Members of his family include three stepsons, Philip Schofield and his wife Donna of Nashua, Gerard Schofield of Spring Hill, FL and Ronald Schofield of New Orleans, LA; two step-grandsons, Steven Schofield and his wife Rachel and Scott Schofield and his wife Kerryann all of Merrimack; six great-grandsons and one great-granddaugther; two great great-grandsons and one great great granddaughter; two sisters-in-law, Patricia Johnston of Lowell, MA and Shirley Biron of Nashua; several nieces and nephews; and very close cousins, Mary and Alvin Harris of New Sharon, ME.
A period of visitation will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Tuesday, June 30th from 11 a.m. to Noon followed by Army Honors and interment in St. Louis Cemetery, 752 West Hollis Street, Nashua at 12:30 p.m.Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com
