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Pete Johnston died March 19, 1966 in a sky diving accident at the Air Force Academy
Remembering Peter Johnston and His Family
Who I Am
My name is Dan Keefe. I grew up in Hyde Park, graduating from St. X. high school in 1969. So what is my connection to Peter Johnston, Woodward High School class of 1962? Here is the story.
Children’s Corner
I went to grade school on Erie Avenue, and my family lived on Kendall, right next to Withrow High School. On Hyde Park Square, Edwards Road, was a toy store, Children’s Corner. Some of you Woodward folks might remember it. Perhaps you bought something there for a younger sibling. Their logo was two red elephants on white paper, one behind the other, with the trunk of the second elephant entwined in the tail of the lead elephant.
The proprietors were Marjorie Manning (who, among other things, was a Charter Committee candidate for Cincinnati City Council in I believe 1961 or 1963) and Lanni Johnston. Lanni ran the store in Hyde Park, and I think Marj was more involved with the location in the then new TriCounty Shopping Center.
Being a 10-year old interested in model cars, trains and some of the other toys she had, I would stop in on my way home from school. Stop in a lot. I got to be chummy with Lanni, so much so that I starting working there on Saturdays (not that she was looking to hire a ten year old; I just showed up to work and she would let me; would pay/give me $3.50 at the end of the day on Saturdays). I thought I was a hot shot.
Lanni had a booming laugh, always a lot of fun. Her husband, John Johnston, was a teacher (perhaps at the old Ohio College of Applied Science). And of course there was Peter.
The First Tragedy
I think it was in the fall of 1961. John died suddenly of a heart attack. What a shock to Lanni and Peter. I still have the thank you card Lanni sent in appreciation of my expression of sympathy.
Peter
I really did not know Pete much. He was a high school kid; I was in grade school. My first real remembrance of him was when his mom took me to some sort of show at Woodward. Perhaps a variety show, similar to the then Withrow Minstrels. I remember sitting in your theater thinking this was something else. It was new, big, much nicer than the Withrow theater. And I remember Pete wanting to go to the Air Force Academy.
My father was a local judge, and I am guessing he at least advised Lanni and Peter on that part of the Air Force application process that required a recommendation from a member of Congress. I am guessing too it was this reason that Lanni dragged poor Peter to our house once when he was home so he could visit us. I remember him sitting in our living room, half asleep either from being out with some of his Woodward buddies the night before or from being up all night flying home from Colorado Springs. But he was a good sport indulging his mom’s wish to visit the Keefes.
The Second Tragedy
It was 1966 and I was now a high school freshman. I used to sleep with my RCA transistor radio under my pillow, listening to WSAI. I guess I woke up in the middle of the night and the news was on. There was a story about a local man who had died in a parachuting accident at the Air Force Academy. Dear God, please, not Peter. But it was. March 19, 1966.
My oldest brother drove me to Lanni’s home (being an empty nester with Peter at Air Force, Lanni moved from her Kennedy Heights house to a converted house/now apartments on Martin Drive, with a view of the river). What an awful time. I don’t think I’ve seen someone so sad.
Lives Not Forgotten
Lanni had some joy after her losses. She married George Brengel and enjoyed many happy years with him and his family. She and George were at my wedding in 1979, and she died in 2000 at the age of 91. What a lady and friend.
I write this in hopes that some of your classmates might think of Peter, perhaps even of Lanni if they had known her. Peter was Lanni’s only child, so there are no more Johnstons. I fear Lanni and Peter will be forgotten, and that’d be a shame. They were good folks. I hope this note prompts some good thoughts of them by members of Woodward’s Class of 1962.
Dan Keefe
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Robert Moser
I first crossed paths with Pete during the Lyons to Shroder era. We both lived In what's was known as Woodford Terrace about a block apart. From day-one I noted that Pete was all business, however, had that unique ability to talk to and appreciate all people. He knew where he wanted to go, but always accepted graciously those who focused on other things. For me, I was more interested in cars than algebra, but I always thought Pete was a friend. His parents were unique and provided that learning environment people talk about, but few really achieve. I remember calling Pete once about a homework assignment and his Mom answered the phone noting that Pete was studying and he would call me back a specific time assuming his homework was complete. She was an excellent gate guard. Once at Woodward for High School, Pete's days were long as he assumed civic roles at the school as well a academic and athletic. There were a few times when he would ride to school with Gil Schultz, and a couple of others of us. We all felt that Pete genuinely cared about each of us. There were times when Pete would drive by our house and my Dad was in the yard Pete would honk and spend a couple of minutes chatting with Dad. Again, he genuinely cared.
To review the many accomplishments Pete enjoyed is not necessary. We knew him and that is the greatest testimony to Pete - just think and remember. Having served 31 years in the Navy and enjoyed many commands, I can honestly say, "I would be honored to serve with Pete or serve for him." He was the epitome of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Pete only made one choice which I question. He chose Colorado Springs over Annapolis. We could have been shipmates. Lois and I will always remember Pete as you will also
Bob Jacobs
From Mike Shore
Pictures taken on his visit to the Air Force Academy.
The first picture is of the plaque with Pete’s name. The second picture is a close-up of the area on the plaque showing his name. There are 6 of these plaques mounted on a memorial wall outside the Catholic chapel at the Academy. The whole complex is huge and quite impressive.
Terry Adams
I got to know Pete well when he was quarterback and I was left halfback on the Schroder football team in 1959. Bob Marshall was fullback, and Stan Matthews was the right halfback. Dave Schneider was center, Steve Mc Collum tackle. I'm trying to remember the other guys: Dave McKnight? Ronnie Tolburt? Ron Engles? Harrison Simms? Alan Burger? Larry Spreckelmeyer? - other guys from the P-Ridge gang? Also Coaches Gino Rossi, 'Bear' Campbell. We were a good team, and Pete was a excellent leader. I went with Pete and his dad to several UC football games, trying to learn more possible plays. He showed up one day with a big bruise on his chest and it turned out he had come down hard on his dogtags (bent them) while doing rapid pushups in his daily workout at home. He was brilliant and dedicated in everything, with all As in school. I'm posting this now because last night I dreamed of him. He was approaching me in the WHS auditorium with his grand smile, as usual, and I wanted to salute him, but I couldn't move my arm (turns out my cat was sleeping on it), so he came over and gave me a little kiss on my forehead - perfect.
Bob Jacobs
From Mark Torreano
Brother Mike and I paid our respects to Cadet First Class Peter A. Johnston today at the US Air Force Academy Cemetery. And it also happens to be Pete’s 77th birthday! As many of you recall, Pete died in a parachuting accident less than three months from his graduation. I was a sophomore at the time.
I owe a great debt to Pete for being the reason I applied to the Air Force Academy, I wanted to be like him. When I ran into the inevitable difficulties as a cadet, Pete gave me great advice and encouragement.
And he is also the reason I am married to my wife, Mimi, even though it was due to his death. I had met Mimi a couple days before and when Pete died, I was devastated and needed to get away from the Academy. I decided to call Mimi and we had our first date and that was that!
Today, we remember and honor all Woodward High School grads who have died in the service of this great country. And we thank them for their sacrifice.
Marsha Goldsmith (Zahler)
Thank you, Dan Keefe, for your lovely tribute to Pete Johnston. Your kind words about Pete and his mother, Lanni, brought tears to my eyes. Their memory will live on, because they were wonderful people and, also, because there are people like you who make sure that happens.
Marsha Goldsmith Zahler
Marsha Goldsmith (Zahler)
To Mark Torreano: I meant to include an appreciation for your beautiful tribute to Pete Johnston. I agree that we should remember, honor, and thank all those who have died in the service of our country.
Marsha Goldsmith Zahler
Gerald Nagy
I knew Peter since Jr. High and all through high school. He was always friendly and giving of his time to all. To letter in 3 sports each year, and maintain an A average is incredible. When I heard on my car radio the day he died, I actually cried. I still think aabout him. Jerry Nagy
Gil Schulze
It is so wonderful to have so many reflect on the memory of one of the truly great classmates that left us so early in what should and would have been a full and rewarding life. Pete was a friend and my neighbor and I admired him as we grew up in Junior and Senior high school. While he had such an outgoing personality and ever present smile, he was all business. You could tell early on that he was destined for success. Growing up as an "Army Brat" myself, I could see the potential in him to be a leader with a future that could lead to being a senior military figure. I always had the feeling I should be saluting him instead of shaking his hand. We can all be grateful that we were touched by him in some samll way. Gil Schulze
Karen Schloss (Bunkowski (Class Of 1963))
I think about Pete very often. I considered him a wonderful friend. I met him when I was a Softmore at Woodward and before I knew it I was riding to school with him for a year - along with Gil and Eddie Shultz. Pete had a great sense of humor and one day coming toward me in the hall, he shouted out "Natalie!!!" The movie "Splendor in the Grass" had just come out and he said he thought I looked like Natalie Wood. Well of course, that endeared him to me forever - he even signed my 1962 Year Book to Natalie.
I always thought Pete would someday become President. I wish anything that would have happened. Noone could ever want for a better human being who had many gifts to give the rest of the world. He will always be in my thoughts and just thinking of his ready smile, will always be in my heart as well.
Bob Jacobs
Received from Joanne Franks
My husband’s cousin, Bob Estus was a pilot for UPS after graduating from the Air Force Academy and serving in the Air Force. He used to visit us in San Antonio when he was living in another town in Texas.
About ten or twelve years ago, he came to town, and we had lunch at a favorite restaurant. We got to talking about his years at the academy and I realized that he graduated from there in 1966. I had lived in Cincinnati, gone to school at UC and was good friends with JoAnn Franks (now Schweitzer). JoAnn told me about the death of her good friend (when it happened) and how everyone who had known him at Woodward, was devastated.
So, I asked Bob if he had known Pete Johnston while he was at the Air Force Academy. He said, “He was my roommate.” I could not believe it. Then he told me what a fine man Pete was and had such a promising future – in the Air Force as well as in years to come.
My husband later told me that he knew the story about Pete -- the whole family did. They talked about how sad it was for Bob to lose such a good friend, and for Pete whose life was tragically cut short. No one realized that I was familiar with the whole story – from another viewpoint.
JoAnn sent me the comments from your high school memories. I wish I had known him too – he was held in such high regard.
Ann Vineyard
San Antonio, Texas