A third-generation Washingtonian, Mr. Johnston attended Gonzaga High School (Class of 1944) and Georgetown University, and served in the U.S. Navy from 1944-1946. He was owner and CEO of Johnston Advertising Agency in Washington, D.C., from 1948 until he retired in 1994, representing most major motion picture studios as well as local businesses. Mr. Johnston was a charter member of the Capitol Hill Club, and a board member of the National Aviation Club, the Advertising Club of Washington, D.C., the Washington Board of Trade, Stone Ridge School, the American Cancer Society of D.C.’s Public Relations Committee and Columbia Country Club. He was also Chief Barker of the local tent of the Variety Club. In 1975, he was designated an Honorary Navy Recruiter for his years of public service to the U.S. Naval Recruiting Service.
Mr. Johnston and his wife, Vivian, moved to Palm Beach, FL., in 1994 where they have been members of The Everglades Club, the Old Guard Society of Golfers, The Beach Club, The Breakers Club, Club Colette and The Sailfish Club.
Mr. Johnston was pre-deceased by his first wife, Anne Martin Johnston; his parents Ernest S. Johnston, Sr., and Catherine Schaefer Johnston; and his siblings Mary Castle, Elizabeth Robinson, Dorothy Castle, Ruth Weller, Barbara Johnston and Margaret Johnston. He is survived by his wife, Vivian Scribante Johnston; his seven children: Katherine Hutto (Rick), Tricia Jermain (Bob), Ernie Johnston (Bernie Cummings), Bob Johnston (Minina), Susan Lattimer (Bill), Nancy Hildreth (Stephen) and Bill Johnston (Mary); and 27 grandchildren, as well as his sister Carlotta Fendig.
Known for his quick wit and unfailing kindness, Mr. Johnston is particularly remembered for his generosity and gracious hospitality that went far beyond his extended family and numero
The family will receive visitors from 5 to 7 pm on Friday,April 25 at Joseph Gawler’s Sons, 5130 Wisconsin Ave. NW (at Harrison St. NW) Washington, DC. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 7500 Pearl Street Bethesda, MD on Saturday, April 26 at 10 am. Burial,
following the Mass, will be private at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be celebrated in Palm Beach at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), The American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) or the American Heart Association (www.heart.org).us friends.
Arrangements under the direction of Joseph Gawler's Sons LLC, Washington, DC.
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