David C. Johnston

David grew up with his brother Paul and sisters Norma and Celia on Shepard St. in Marblehead. A lifelong nautical passion started when he learned to sail with his cousin Bobby Cloutman on Salem Harbor. At an early age David worked solo inshore lobstering for family friend and neighbor Phil Wade. David always claimed leaning against the gunwales while so young was the cause of his bowed legs.

In 1945, David joined the US Navy when he was 17 before completing high school. During his long service, he became a plank owner of the heavy cruiser USS Rochester, serving on her for her entire 15-year life. During his active duty through 1966, David saw naval combat in North Korea, rose to the rank of Chief Bosuns Mate and was a tugboat skipper in Newport, Boston and Portsmouth. He remained in the Naval Reserves until 1975. In 2011 he received his honorary high school diploma from the Town of Marblehead.

After retirement from the Navy, David worked as maintenance supervisor at the Mary Alley Hospital until his retirement in the early 1990s. David married his beloved wife Jeanne (Parker) in 1958. Together they raised their sons Jeff and Greg, while David maintained their residence with his talented green thumb.

David was very active in Boy Scouting and enjoyed many adventures alongside his two sons. For a time, he was Scoutmaster for Troop 11. David was an active member of the Masons for 41 years and belonged to the Scottish Rite and Shriners.

David was well loved by his many friends and adored by his family. He was a wonderful grandfather to Jon, Julianna, Erica and Emily. Many fond memories were made summer camping at Pine Knoll and Lake Forest in New Hampshire, exploring the White Mountains and sailing and boating.

In his later years he demonstrated his devotion to Jeanne as he cared for her unassisted as she dealt with Alzheimer's. After Jeanne’s passing, David joined the community at the Bertram House of Swampscott. There he was surrounded by fellow Headers and cared for by the Bertram's wonderful staff.

David's family deeply appreciates the warmth and care provided by his doctors, care givers, especially the staff at the Bertram House and the kind people at Care Dimensions.

David is predeceased by his wife Jeanne A. (Parker) Johnston; sister Norma (Johnston) Regan; and his brother Paul D. Johnston and his wife Patricia. He is survived by his sister Celia A. Johnston of Marblehead; his sons Jeffery D. Johnston and wife Lisa of Marblehead, and Gregory A. Johnston and wife Joyce of Beverly; four grandchildren Jonathan, Julianna, Erica, and Emily; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Eustis and Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm Street on Saturday, March 2 at 11AM. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service beginning at 9AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St, B-102, Danvers, MA 01923; or Giving@caredimensions.org.