Alan R. Johnstone

Alan R. Johnstone, “Big Al”, 93, was born on December 16, 1930 and passed away peacefully on January 21, 2024.

He was born in Orange, NJ and lived most of his adult life in East Hanover and Hollywood, FL. After honorably serving his country in the Army during the Korean War, he returned home and took a job as an Inspector at Thomas Edison’s Factory. In November of 1954, he married his high school sweetheart Carol Anne (Colantuoni) Johnstone and they started a family not too long afterward. It was at that point, he joined Orange Valley Bank and through a plethora of mergers, he retired with Wells Fargo after 37 years as an Assistant Vice President. He had the strongest work ethic of anyone we know, having not missed one day of work during his 37-year tenure.  A gentle giant, at 6 ft. 3, he was known to all by the nickname “Big Al” and he loved spending time with his family most notably on the fields and wrestling mats at Hanover Park High School. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, and in retirement shuffleboard where he was often seen playing at both Tiffany Apartments in Hollywood, FL or Four Seasons in Lakewood, NJ.

When Alan was not on the fields at Hanover Park, he was watching his two favorite teams the New York Giants and the New York Yankees. Alan set his schedule around the New York Yankee games. Win or lose… Alan was the consummate Yankee Fan having missed very few games during the span of his life.

Devoted father of Gregg Johnstone, his wife Laura, Guy Johnstone, his wife Debbie, Glen Johnstone and his wife Denise.  Also survived by his 6 grandchildren: Diana, Bryce, Colby, Alyssa, Anthony and Michael, and 6 great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Chloe, Grant, Grady, Gabriella and Charlotte. Dear brother-in-law to Bea Tekin, Isabel Oakes, Marie Colantuoni and Loretta Colantuoni. He is also survived by his significant other of 20 years, Mary Castellano as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Alan was pre-deceased by his wife Carol Anne (Colantuoni) Johnstone, his parents Robert and Gertrude Johnstone, his in-laws Carmine and Isabel Colantuoni, and two brothers, Jack and Robert Johnstone.

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home, Inc., 210 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park on Friday from 4-7pm.  Funeral on Saturday, assembling at the funeral home at 10am, followed by the interment and committal prayers at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Alan’s name to the Wounded Warriors Project, see donation box below for details….

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