Joseph
”
Joe
”
Johnston was born March 15, 1943 and passed away on Jan. 30,
2003 in Gilroy.
Joseph “Joe” Johnston was born March 15, 1943 and passed away on Jan. 30, 2003 in Gilroy.
Joe is survived by his nieces Lois Simmons Hall of Chowchilla and MaryAnne Manley of Oakland; his nephews Gailand Simmons of Valley Center, Jay Aguilar of Gilroy; and many great nieces and nephews.
Until his death, Joe has been continuously employed as a child care worker at Rebekah Children’s Services in Gilroy, beginning in 1980. Joe will be remembered by staff and residents alike for his dedication to the wellbeing of the children he oversaw. Joe was a kind and generous man who always put the needs of others before his own.
He was passionate about history, film and theater, he had dreamt of establishing a theater dedicated to showing classic films and local stage productions. Joe 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 the residents.
Joe was an avid craftsman and created many beautiful and intricate items that he enjoyed giving to friends, colleagues and children. He was often seen walking through Gilroy in his western outfits. He planned on moving to the valley upon his retirement to be near family and friends. Joe was a wonderful man who saw the best in everybody and helped them further appreciate themselves. He will be greatly missed by all who were privileged to have known and loved him.
Visitation will be Thursday at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Habing Family Funeral Home, Gilroy. Then to San Juan District Cemetery for Graveside services and burial. Donations to Rebekah Childrens Home in Joe’s name would be greatly appreciated.
