Michael Richard Johnston

With heartbreak, we share the loss of Michael Richard Johnston, husband, father, brother, son and a friend to many. Michael was born on Sept. 10,1974 in Dearborn, Michigan. He passed the morning of October 5, 2022 in his sleep at the young age of 48.

Michael was the fifth of six children born to Richard and Mary Jane Johnston. Michael entered this world quickly and with a big personality, and big beautiful blue eyes. You could always count on Michael to make a silly face in a photo, lovingly tease you, and give you a bear hug when you saw him. He could always make a great story out of the trouble he would find. He will be missed dearly by his family.

When Michael was six his family moved from Michigan to Sparta. It was here that Michael set roots that were unbreakable. Michael was a loyal friend to everyone he met and his friendships would prove to last a lifetime.

Michael was known near and far for his accomplishments on the athletic fields. He began his sports career in Sparta with the Warriors at Ungerman Field and proved to be an unstoppable force all the way through his time at Pope John XXIII High School. He was driven to not only follow, but surpass his brothers, breaking and setting football and track records. After Pope John, he went to study at and graduated from UCONN in 1997.

After graduating Michael moved to Colorado, reuniting with his brothers to work in the building industry. Many adventures and follies were had, and great stories were made and to be shared with laughter at family gatherings. Michael’s greatest adventure began when he met and fell in love with his wonderful wife and life partner, Gretchen Johnston. They were married in 2005, and started a family with the birth of Wesley Johnston. Soon after, they moved back to Sparta and their family grew with the birth of two more sons, Carter and Shane.

When Michael returned to Sparta in 2007, it was as if no time had passed. Old friendships were rekindled and many grew stronger. Michael began working with the International Longshoreman’s Association, where he found another family that meant the world to him. Mike sent his children to Reverend Brown and Pope John High School and took a new role on the football field. Whether formally coaching or just volunteering his time, he was a fixture at his son’s practices and games. He was a fiercely dedicated father and husband and anyone that knew him knew his family always came first.

Michael was a loveable grouch, with a generous heart. He could make anyone smile and people were always happier after having been with him. We are grateful to have had 48 years with him. Michael’s family would like to extend their warmest appreciation to Michael’s amazing friends and work family for the support they have and are providing.

Michael is survived by his wife, Gretchen, his sons, Wesley, Carter and Shane, his father, Richard, brothers Dennis (Jennifer), Patrick (Denise), and Brad, sisters Mara (Kevin) and Heather (John), nieces and nephews Dylan, Jake, Hadley, Grace, Jeremiah, Lylah, Margaret, Elizabeth, John and William, his in laws, Mike, Jane, Alle and Katie and their families, many aunts, uncles and cousins, and lifelong friends Josh, Matt and James. Michael was predeceased by his mother, Mary Jane, in 2019.

Memorial Visitation will be at Goble Funeral Home from 2 - 4PM on Monday, Oct. 10th. A funeral mass will be celebrated 11AM Tuesday, Oct 11th at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Sparta with a gathering/lunch to follow from 1-3pm at:

INDUSTRY Restaurant + Bar... 6 N Village Blvd, Sparta Township, NJ 07871

(973) 729-4327

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Mike’s family @ Help the Johnston Family, organized by Erica Hertzberg.