Richard E. Johnston passed away peacefully on February 5, 2021. Beloved son of the late Walter F. Johnston and Rebecca C. Johnston, he was a lifelong resident of West Newton. A graduate of Tilton Academy, he attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Clark University. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Germany.

After his military service Dick worked at Newton Yellow Cab as a driver, dispatcher and eventually owner in 1976. He built the company into a fleet of 20 cabs with 24 employees. A very popular boss, he stayed in touch with many of his drivers even after the business closed in 2017.

Dick was an avid car enthusiast and drag racer. As a racer he won national events and is the holder of national records. As a public-spirited citizen of the city he sponsored various sports teams. His favorite organization was the Newton Special Olympics. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to them at https://newtonathletesunlimited.org/

He is survived by his sister, Nancy LeBlanc and her husband Robert and by four nephews and nieces and six great nephews and nieces.

Visiting hours will be held on February 20, 2021 from noon until 2 o'clock in the Burke & Blackington Funeral Home, 1479 Washington St. West Newton. Interment will be private.