William C. Johnston, 77, of Gales Ferry

Information via Mystic Funeral Home

William C. Johnston, 77, of Gales Ferry, beloved husband to the late Judith E. (Fetzer) Johnston died Tuesday November 29, 2016. He and Judy resided in Gales Ferry since 1978, and were married over 50 years.

Born in Pontiac, MI, Bill was the son of the late David and Myrene (Ingalsbe) Johnston of Keego Harbor, MI. In the 1970’s, Bill was a military analyst for the Center for Naval Analysis and then for Operations Research, Inc. (ORI) in Groton-New London. After retiring, he continued as a consultant to the USCG and other agencies, and taught math and statistics as an adjunct professor at the UCONN-Avery Point campus.

He was a long-time member and past president of the Rotary Club International, member of the Groton Sportsmen’s Club, and a founding member of the Apple Computer User Group in the very early 80’s. Bill loved the outdoors. He was an avid fly fisherman, and enjoyed camping, boating, and wood working.

Bill is survived by his twin daughters, Karen (Kari) Mottarella of Satellite Beach, FL and Kelly Shaw and her husband, Arthur, of Lisbon, CT; as well as his brother, Jim Johnston of Millford MI. Bill adored and was very proud of his four grandsons, Christopher and Brian Shaw and Anthony and John Mottarella; as well as Eric Lambert, of Newtown, CT, whom he considered like a son. He was predeceased by two granddaughters, Hope and Diana Mottarella.

Always athletic in his youth, Bill was an All State football athlete #38 for his high school team, and then played right guard on offense and defense for the Scots of Alma College, where he completed his undergraduate degree. He earned multiple graduate degrees in mathematics and physics from Michigan State and was a life-long Spartan fan.

Bill was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. A brilliant man, he was a nuclear physicist and military analyst, fisherman, lover of nature, and cherished friend to many.

His family will receive friends Friday, December 2, 2016 from 5-7 pm at St. Luke Lutheran Church Route 12 Gales Ferry where Bill was a long-time, active member and Chair of the building committee for the expansion of the church. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, December 3rd with an additional calling hour from 9-10 am preceding the 10:00 am service at the church. Burial will follow the service at the Elm Grove Cemetery Route 27 in Mystic.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Vitas Hospice (www.vitas.com) or to the Alzheimer’s Assoc. CT Chapter (www.alz.org).