Donald Francis Johnston

1932 - 2020

Donald Francis Johnston passed away in Santa Rosa, CA from a long illness on April 24, 2020.  He was 87. He leaves his two children, Jennifer L. Johnston of San Francisco, CA and Scott Johnston of Amsterdam, the Netherlands and his husband Marcel Pieterse. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirlee with whom he was married for 52 years. 

Donald was born on May 29, 1932 in East Orange, New Jersey, to Vincent and Frances Johnston. He was raised there and spent summers with his family in Florida.  He attended Clifford J. Scott High School where he excelled in sports. 

He graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in history in 1954. Upon graduation he proudly served as a Captain in the United States Air Force.  Throughout his career he worked for a number of companies such as TWA, Eastern Airlines, Pan Am, American Airlines, Citibank and DHL before he retired. 

He had many hobbies including travelling, woodworking and reading.  He was very artistic and loved helping with his children’s school projects. He coached little league and loved spending time with his wife and children at the Jersey Shore.  He was devoted to his family and his country.   

Donald married Shirlee Bousa on July 15, 1967; they moved to Colts Neck, New Jersey where their two children were born. In 1982 the family moved to Moraga, California. In 1996 Don and Shirlee moved to Santa Rosa, California where they enjoyed retirement.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Trinity College.  The family wishes to thank Cheryl Fox and the team at Fox and Associates.