Michael F. Johnston Sr.
Feb. 7, 1942 – April 6, 2025
Johnston
Michael F. Johnston Sr., 83, of Hollidaysburg, passed away Sunday at UPMC Altoona. He was born in Phillipsburg and grew up in Coalport, son of the late Robert and Elizabeth (Strayer) Johnston.
He married Wileva Bettis on Jan. 18, 1964, in Arlington, Va.
Surviving are his wife of 60 years; a daughter, Shellie; two sons, Michael Jr. and Kevin; three grandchildren: Timothy, Grace and Camila; two brothers, Robert and Daniel; two nieces; a nephew; three great-nieces; a great-nephew; and many beloved cousins.
He was preceded in death by a son, Christopher.
Michael graduated from BCI High School in Coalport, and was active in the Gardner Guards Drum and Bugle Corps in Tyrone.
After auditioning for the U.S. Army Band, he was off to Ft. Jackson, S.C., for basic training. He was stationed at Ft. Myer in Arlington, Va., for the next 35 years with the U.S. Army Band Pershing’s Own.
Friends will be received from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Sorge Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Hollidaysburg.
A graveside service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on a later date.
sorgefuneralhome.com