John Johnston II

John Paul Johnston II, 77, of Boalsburg, PA, died Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Mount Nittany Medical Center.

Born January 1, 1948, in Columbus, Ohio, he was the son of the late John Paul and Margarette Schynal Johnston. He was married to Patricia "Patty" Williams Mattar, who survives.

He is survived by his children; Kathryn Johnston, of Kansas City, MO, and Adrianne Johnston DiMarco, of Hillsborough, NJ; a brother, Joseph Johnston; three sisters, Beverly Moeggenberg, Patty Szelest, and Linda Johnston; and two granddaughters, Cynthia Francesca DiMarco and Robin Joseph DiMarco. He was predeceased by his oldest sister, Eileen Gordon, on August 13, 2025, and his first wife, Cynthia Anne Devecka Johnston, on February 19, 2006.

John earned a bachelor's degree in physics and English from Carnegie Mellon University in 1970, followed by a master's degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh in 1972. He spent much of his career as an engineer working on ultrasonic testing equipment. In the 1980s, he was the owner of Silverton Music Center in Toms River, NJ. Prior to retirement, John was a Regional Director with Ben Franklin Technology Partners where he was instrumental in collaborating with and supporting innovative start-up companies.

John was a car and motorcycle enthusiast, and the proud owner of a special edition Ford Mustang, as well as Harley-Davidson and Triumph motorcycles. His favorite vacations were riding the rails all around the US and Canada; he travelled most if not all of Amtrak's and Via Rail's routes. He was a brilliant self-taught bluegrass musician, a master of all stringed instruments, especially the guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, and violin. His homemade pies were his pride and joy (he believed firmly in an all shortening crust). Well-read and always scientifically curious, John was a true Renaissance man.

A celebration of his life will be held at 2pm on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at State College Alliance Church, 1221 W. Whitehall Rd., State College, PA, with Aden Wertz officiating. Those who are unable to attend in person can join the service at live.scalliancechurch.com.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations can be made to the Public Broadcasting Service at https://www.pbs.org/about/about-pbs/support-pbs /.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.