Samuel Ervine Johnston (Sam), ended a long and amazing life journey on November 16, 2014 surrounded by his family, who loved him so dearly, to join his beloved wife of 65 years, Florence L., who predeceased him in 2012. Sam was born on September 29, 1922 to Robert V. and May L. Johnston. He graduated from Technical High School in Springfield and enlisted in the United States Navy just months before Pearl Harbor. He served from 1941 until 1945 as a Sonarman Second Class stationed in the South Atlantic on the USS Davis. Upon returning to Western Massachusetts after WWII, he completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Williams College and a Master's of Education at Westfield State University. Sam retired after a long successful career teaching sixth grade at Frank H. Freedman Elementary School in Springfield. Sam married the love his life, Florence, Thanksgiving Day on November 27, 1947. They chose the Thanksgiving holiday for the day of their wedding because they could think of no other thing than having found each other, for which they were most thankful. Together they had seven children, 23 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren. Sam was an active member of the St. Andrews Society and its legacy organization, Clan Murray. Sam was a devout, life-long Episcopalian and a faithful member of Christ Church Cathedral in Springfield. Sam is survived by his older brother, Robert P. of Northfield; a son Samuel E., II and his wife Diane of Suffield, CT; a son David G. and his wife Kathleen of South Hadley; a daughter Jane J. Knodler and her husband Michael of Belchertown; a daughter Ellen E. Jamroz and her husband Daniel of South Hadley; a son Robert A. and his wife Tinee of Springfield; a daughter Anne L. Allsop and her husband Allen of Agawam; a daughter Martha H. Johnston and her husband Brian Farr of Portland, ME and a nephew, Henry R. D'Amelia of Lisbon, CT. Sams children are truly blessed by their fathers unconditional and unwavering love. Sam was cared for by the wonderful and compassionate staff of the Holyoke Soldiers' Home who made his brief end-of-life stay comfortable and graceful. Contributions in Sam's name may be made to this incredible facility which serves our Massachusetts veterans (Holyoke Soldiers' Home, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA, 01040). Sam will be buried in Quabbin Park Cemetery, Ware, MA following funeral services beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, at Christ Church Cathedral, 35 Chestnut Street, Springfield. Calling hours will be held Friday, November 21, from 4 - 7 p.m. at Dickinson-Streeter Funeral Home, 305 State Street, Springfield.