Born in New York City on July 30, 1929, Don was the son of the late Frederick and Anna Johnston and brother of the late Richard Johnston.
After graduating from high school, Don enlisted in the U.S. Army and fought in the Korean War. Upon his return home, he attended the City College of New York, graduating cum laude in 1956. Don joined the Department of State in 1956, commencing on a 27 year career as a Foreign Service Officer with posts around the world. Don’s first assignment was as Vice Consul in Valencia, Spain, where he met his beloved wife, Maria, whom he married in 1958. Subsequent postings included that of Assistant Labor Attaché in Rome from 1960 to 1965, and a variety of positions with the State Department in Vietnam from 1966 to 1970. Fluent in Italian and Spanish, Don was also conversant in Dutch and French. He served as Consul General in Paramaribo, Surinam from 1970 to 1974 and as the Counselor for Political Affairs in Bogota, Colombia from 1974-1978. Don’s last overseas posting was as Consul General in Florence, Italy from 1978 to 1982. Retiring from the Foreign Service in 1983, Don remained active at the State Department, working in its FOIA program until he was too ill to continue. Don also served throughout his life in the U.S. Army Reserve, attending the US Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Don was a familiar sight in his Chevy Chase DC neighborhood as he walked to and from the local library with books under his arm. Possessed of a keen intellect, Don was a prodigious reader and enjoyed discussions and debates on a wide variety of topics. Don was a skilled conversationalist, and you could always rely on him to enliven any discussion he was a part of. Don’s last decade was spent at the Knollwood Retirement Community, where he and his wife, Maria, played an active role and made many close friends amongst its residents. Don always had a great zest for life and travel. He and Maria would often spend the winter months in Valencia, while also making side trips throughout Europe.
Mr. Johnston is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Maria, and by two daughters, Margaret Hallam (Mark) of Washington, DC, and Paola Johnston Zuver of Miami, Florida. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Matthew Hallam (Shannon) of Philadelphia, PA, Andrew Hallam of Fairfax, VA, Caroline Hallam of Washington, DC, Nicholas Zuver of Portland OR, and Martin Zuver of Miami, Florida.
A memorial service will be held at the Knollwood Community Chapel on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 3:00 PM. Reception immediately to follow. Mr. Johnston will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
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