Joel passed away on July, 6th, 2020. He had been suffering from Lewy Body Dementia (combination of dementia and Parkinsons) for the past five years. His wife of 47 years, Joanne, son, Joseph and sister, Liza were at his bedside when he passed.
Very sorry to hear about Joel's passing. We were best buds at St. Mary's Elementary in 7th and 8th grades. Then I went to the Seminary in San Fernando for my Freshman year and to St. Joe's in my sophomore year. For my Junior and Senior year I went to SMHS and saw him again there. We didn't run in the same circles or share any classes though so it was just a sort of "hey, how you doing?" as we passed each other between classes. So I don't really have any high school memories to relate, but I'll always remember him as one of my best friends from St. Mary's. He was affable and smart, fun to be around and I will always remember him with a smile.
Sorry to hear of his passing. Rest in Peace my friend.
I am so, so sorry. Joel and I were really good friends as kids. Man, he was funny and had a wicked sense of humor. After the accident I went to visit him in the hospital, but his mom said she didn't want anyone other than family to do so. He was there for a long time, maybe a year. Didn't see him again until last couple of years in HS. Was always embarrassed as I thought maybe he believed I wasn't a good friend in a time of need. Looking back, I would have acted differently. Definitely a great guy who deserved a better break in life.
I met Joel when we were Juniors at SMHS and have kept in contact ever since. We would have lunch at the same picnic table with Ralph, Jim, and Billie. We would meet at Dennys for coffee most evenings. Took trips in his black Jaguar to Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Grand Canyon and the Utah parks. Our fathers both passed away in the Summer of 1969, mine of cancer, Colonel Rossetti of a heart attack. Joel went to Hancock and graduated from Fresno State. I came home from Costa Rica, to be in his wedding in 1973. Over the years he worked in insurance, stocks, and was a produce broker. They lived in Visalia, Joanne's home town.
Dan Gracia
Very sorry to hear about Joel's passing. We were best buds at St. Mary's Elementary in 7th and 8th grades. Then I went to the Seminary in San Fernando for my Freshman year and to St. Joe's in my sophomore year. For my Junior and Senior year I went to SMHS and saw him again there. We didn't run in the same circles or share any classes though so it was just a sort of "hey, how you doing?" as we passed each other between classes. So I don't really have any high school memories to relate, but I'll always remember him as one of my best friends from St. Mary's. He was affable and smart, fun to be around and I will always remember him with a smile.
Sorry to hear of his passing. Rest in Peace my friend.
Dan
Marty Morrisroe
I am so, so sorry. Joel and I were really good friends as kids. Man, he was funny and had a wicked sense of humor. After the accident I went to visit him in the hospital, but his mom said she didn't want anyone other than family to do so. He was there for a long time, maybe a year. Didn't see him again until last couple of years in HS. Was always embarrassed as I thought maybe he believed I wasn't a good friend in a time of need. Looking back, I would have acted differently. Definitely a great guy who deserved a better break in life.
Dorothy DesLauriers (Dickson)
This is very sad news. My deepest sympathy to Joel's family. RIP JoelGeorge Johnston
I met Joel when we were Juniors at SMHS and have kept in contact ever since. We would have lunch at the same picnic table with Ralph, Jim, and Billie. We would meet at Dennys for coffee most evenings. Took trips in his black Jaguar to Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Grand Canyon and the Utah parks. Our fathers both passed away in the Summer of 1969, mine of cancer, Colonel Rossetti of a heart attack. Joel went to Hancock and graduated from Fresno State. I came home from Costa Rica, to be in his wedding in 1973. Over the years he worked in insurance, stocks, and was a produce broker. They lived in Visalia, Joanne's home town.