Gary Gene Johnston

SHINGLEHOUSE, Pa. — Gary Gene “Poppy” Johnston, 82, of Shinglehouse, passed away Friday (May 29, 2026) at Sweden Valley Manor in Coudersport.

Born Aug. 21, 1943, in Shinglehouse, he was the son of Walter Dane Johnston and Virginia Kemp Johnston, later Virginia Ogilvie. He married Vickie Lee Clark Johnston on Oct. 31, 1964; she preceded him in death.

Gary retired from Rondor Construction in Portville, N.Y., where he drove dump trucks, loaders and dozers, and was skilled at breaking and sorting rock in the quarry.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and time with family.

He is survived by his daughter, Renee Sterling of Olean, N.Y.; his son, Dane (Georgine) Johnston of Pittsburgh; grandchildren, Cody Snyder, Dylan Snyder, Martina (Arron Thompson) Johnston, Maggie Mae Johnston, Miranda (Chase Ryan) Johnston and Merrick Johnston; and great‑grandchildren, Calvin McGee, Loren Arron, Lindsay George, Remy Clark and Flynn Henry. He is also survived by siblings, Charlotte (Jim) Galloway, Bonnie (Ron) Schwab and Mike (Terri) Ogilvie.

He was preceded in death by siblings, Jackie (Tom) Gigliotti, Connie (Ed) Armstrong and Larry (Cindy) Johnston.

No formal services will be held.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Gary’s family entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Gary, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.