Gilroy resident
Joseph “Joe” Johnston died Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003 in Gilroy. He was 59.
Mr. Johnston had been a child care worker at Rebekah Childrens’ Services in Gilroy since 1980. He was passionate about history, film and theater and had dreamed of establishing a theater dedicated to showing classic films and local stage productions. He could often be found in San Juan Bautista, where he had spent much of his childhood, researching the history of the town through conversation with residents.
He was an avid craftsman and created many intricate items that he gave to friends, colleagues and children. He was often seen walking through Gilroy in his western outfits and planned to move to the San Joaquin Valley upon his retirement to be near family and friends.
He is survived by his nieces, Lois Simmons Hall of Chowchilla and MaryAnne Manley of Oakland; his nephews, Gailand Simmons of Valley Center and Jay Aguilar of Gilroy; and many great-nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Thursday, Feb. 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Habing Family Funeral Home in Gilroy. Interment and graveside services will be at San Juan District Cemetery.
Memorials are preferred to Rebekah Childrens Home.
