Timothy Lee Johnston, Sr.

ILION - Timothy Lee Johnston Sr., of Ilion, NY, passed away peacefully on December 30th, 2025. He was born on May 19th, 1952, in Phoenix, Arizona, the son of the late Carl and Katherine (Schuyler) Johnston of Ilion.

Tim was educated in Ilion, where he made his home and raised his family. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1969 until his honorable discharge in 1971, stationed in Long Beach, California. A devoted Navy man, Tim was often seen wearing his Vietnam Veteran’s hat with pride, honoring his ship, the USS Mansfield and time served.

Following his military service, Tim worked as a long-distance truck driver and later as a self-employed auctioneer. He was a member of the Frankfort VFW Post 502. A passionate sports fan, Tim loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, rooting for the New York Yankees, and coaching his sons and nephews in Little League baseball.

Tim was an avid animal lover and gifted storyteller, delighting family and friends with humorous and heartfelt stories from his life—often shared on the porch over a hot cup of coffee. He treasured fishing trips with his children and grandchildren and enjoyed attending auctions owned by his nephews, Clifford and Ben Johnston. A lover of music, Tim found joy in singing and had special songs that reflected his unique love for each of his children.

Family was Tim’s greatest treasure. He was a devoted son, a brother to 14 siblings, and a loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. In his most cherished roles, Tim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Tim is survived by his wife and best friend of 43 years, Sharon (Entwistle) Johnston, and his children, who were the light of his life: Timmy Johnston (Mary Moore) of Chittenango; Tammy (Arin) Reffo of Latrobe, PA; Eric (Amy) Butler of Little Falls; Chad Johnston of Utica; Scott (Sarah) Johnston of Ilion; Andrew Johnston of Utica; Tracy (Michael) Scalise of Deerfield; Timothy Johnston Jr. of Deerfield; Travis (Jessica) Johnston of Herkimer; and his chosen daughter, Aonna Sageer of Ilion.

He also leaves behind 21 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, each of whom shared a special bond with their beloved grandfather.

Tim is further survived by his siblings: Jean Shibley; Carl Johnston Jr.; Leonard (Cindy) Johnston; Sue (Willie) Smith; Wayne (Kathy) Johnston; Roger (Lenora) Johnston; Earl Johnston; Dale Johnston; Danny (Tammy) Johnston; and Laura (Daniel) Horning .

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers Carlos Johnston and Tod Johnston; sisters Alice Johnston and Pomray (Johnston) Pett; sisters-in-law Ruth Johnston and Ann Johnston; and brother-in-law David Shibley.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the medical teams at Wynn Hospital, Upstate University Hospital and Upstate Community Hospital for the compassion, respect, and care shown to Tim during his final months. In remembrance of his faithful service, the family requests that any charitable donations in his honor be made to the Frankfort VFW.

Family and friends are invited to attend services to honor a beautiful life well lived. Visitation will be held at The Enea & Ciaccia Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road, Ilion, NY 13357, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, from 1:00–3:00 PM and 5:00–7:00 PM. Interment will take place in the spring with full military honors at Armory Hill Cemetery.

Tim’s obituary may be viewed on the funeral home website by visiting www.eneafamily .com on the Internet.

Between now and then, until I see you again—

I’ll be loving you. Love me.

Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 894-8000.