Ralph C. Johnston
April 7, 1942 ~ March 3, 2025
Resided in:
Harpersfield, OH
Ralph C. Johnston, age 82, of Harpersfield, passed away Monday, March 3, 2025. He was born April 7, 1942 in Cleveland, Ohio to Mae and Ralph Johnston.
Ralph affectionately known as “Yamaha Ralph” a lifelong Motorcycle enthusiast, owned and operated North Ridge Yamaha in Geneva for 53 years. His passion for motorcycles turned into a lifelong career after purchasing North Ridge in 1973 servicing 1,000’s of motorcycle enthusiasts in Northeast Ohio while developing friendships across the country.
In his early years, Ralph was an avid flat track and road racer along side his son Ralph Jr. In his free time Ralph loved to travel on his motorcycle, ride his bicycle, and watch his grandkids ride around his property on their 4-wheelers and dirt bikes. Ralph also enjoyed watching the Indy 500 and was a fan of the Cleveland Browns and Ohio State football.
He is survived by his daughter, Jill (Joseph) Jirousek, son, Ralph Johnston Jr., step-sons Richard (Kristen) Kern, Douglas (Doreen) Kern, grandchildren, Justine (Joshua) Ludlow, Jannelle Jirousek, Carson and Evan Johnston, step-grandchildren, Carlin, Megan, Jack, Jordan and Taylor Kern.
Great grandchildren, Bentley and Brooklynn Ludlow; and sister, Carol Catalano.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Karen Johnston and his parents.
Friends will be received on Friday, March 7, 2025 from 5-8 PM at Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street, Madison OH, 44057.
Online obituary and condolences can be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com
Services
Visitation: Friday, March 7, 2025 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Behm Family Funeral Homes - Madison
26 River Street,
Madison, OH 44057
(440) 428-4401
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Joyce and Kenny Thomas
Kevan Thomas
Gayle Gretchko Holman
Rest in peace Ralph, always loved talking with you.
Matt and Wendy Grau
DAVE WHITELAW, SAYS; Wishing peace and comfort to RALPH’ s family from a friend and classmate.
Wishing comfort and peace to Ralph’s family. RIP, fellow classmate.
Love, hugs and prayers,
Nice race Ralph . Took the checked as you crossed the finish line. God Speed my friend.
Deepest sympathy a lot of good memories.
Beannie morra sr. Morra cycle center
Rest in peace, Ralph. I always looked forward to talking to you when I’d stop by for parts for my Yamaha MX bikes years ago. You were always the epitome of what a kind caring human being should be.
WE RACED EACH OTHER MANY TIMES PRIOR TO 1973. RALPH ENJOYED THE OLD TRACKS LIKE ORWELL, HOMERVILLE, DEERFIELD, SALEM, DUNKIRK AND MANY MORE.
Wishing peace and comfort for your family.
Goodbye and peace to my childhood neighbor. Love to your family and to Carol.
May his memory be a blessing.
Aleksandrowicz Family/Chet Aleks Yamaha/Aleks Powersports