Rick Rick A Johnston

After a long, courageous fight with Cancer, Rick Johnston (54) passed away July 16th at home, in the comfort of his best friend & wife Nancy and surrounded by his loved ones.

Born Oct. 3, 1960 in Queens, NY he was the son of Frederick and Eleanor Murphy Johnston. He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years; Nancy Johnston of Seminole whom he married Oct 8, 1995.

Rick was a man of great ambition, persuasive eloquence and vast generosity and was very respected and admired not only by his colleagues and friends, but also the community. Although he was very serious about his job, he had a way about him that showed all his employees that he cared about their work progress and appreciated them for their contribution to the business.

Rick graduated from The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena, CA. – in the Napa Valley. For over 15 years, he took his skills and worked as an executive chef for various restaurants in The Hudson Valley area of Upstate New York before relocating to Florida. He brought his talents to Florida and worked as the Operations Manager at Shephards Beach Resorts and Jimmy Iguanas in Clearwater Beach. For the last 6 yrs he has been District Restaurant Manager for Sculley’s and The Hut on Madeira Beach & recently opened The Treasure Island Tap House in Treasure Island. His job was his life, his love, his passion. He was completely devoted to the success & growth of the brand.

Rick was a very hands on Manager, always challenging his employees and never allowing them to settle for anything less than the best of themselves. He was always about taking chances, seeing potential in each and every individual. It was always important to him that he made a positive impact on the business. Rick touched many lives, leaving an everlasting impression on all those he crossed paths with. Rick will always be an inspiration to all who has had the pleasure of knowing the admiral man he was.

He was a member of the Tampa Shriners, Seminole Elks 2519, a Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Squire and former president of Johns Pass Village Merchant Association. He participated annually at Jim’s Harley Davidson, St. Pete Toys for Tots Motorcycle Run which was always his holiday joy. Rick was also a volunteer firefighter for Esopus Fire Rescue and volunteered on Esopus Ambulance Squad when he lived in Upstate New York.

A gathering of family, friends and colleagues will celebrate the life of Rick Johnston, Saturday, August 8 from 10AM-12PM at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Rd. Largo, FL 33774.

In Lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Suncoast Hospice or Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa

www.serenityfuneralhomelargo.com