Donald George Johnstone, 81 of Gilbert, AZ, formerly of Phoenix AZ. passed away July 10, 2021. Don was born February 22, 1940 in New York. He moved to Arizona when he was a young boy and made Arizona his home since. Don attended St. Gregory grammar school; St. Mary’s High School and graduated from Phoenix Union High School. Don served in the U.S. Army Davy Crockett Nuclear Weapons Unit in Germany from September 1961 to August 1964. Don met the love of his life, Eleanor, when he returned home and they married November 5, 1966.
Don worked for Salt River Project (SRP) for 30 years as a troubleshooter and heavy equipment operator. Once retired from SRP, Don worked at Madison School District as a delivery driver to keep himself busy. Don was a member of the P.E.R.A. Club and served on the Board of Directors during his time there. He attended St. Agnes Catholic Church, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and Men’s Bingo Club. Don was a member of IBEW Local 266 and was on the safety board. At the time of his death, Don attended St. Anne’s Catholic church in Gilbert, AZ.
One of Don’s passions was playing the Arizona Lottery and going to the casino to play slots. Don’s main passion was his family and helping out those less fortunate. He would always give to those in need whether it was money or supplies. Don was a friend to many especially those who didn’t have many friends or relatives near. One person recently said, “he was my best friend”, and that is true for many people he befriended.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Barbara Johnstone, sister Catherine Stanford, and brother Tom Johnstone.
Don is survived by his wife Eleanor Johnstone, daughters: Anastasia Johnstone and Theresa (Paul) Everett, grandsons: Chandler Everett and Nicholas Young, sisters: Eileen Monaghan and Margaret (Greg) White, brother Rocky (Bev) Parra and many nephews, nieces and friends.
Services will be held Thursday, July 22, 2021, at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1954 N. 24th Street Phoenix, AZ 85008, with a Rosary beginning at 10:30 am, Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at St. Francis Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street Phoenix, AZ. 85008. Please make a note, St. Agnes Church does require wearing a face mask if not vaccinated.
In lieu of flowers the family ask for donations to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul to help those less fortunate.
Wells Family
Sending healing prayers to all those who knew and loved Don
Richard spano
Served with him in the United States army we both were part of Davy Crockett unit good friend great times many many many good memories of him brother rest in peace love you then love you now
David Schreibman
Uncle Donald was a GREAT man with a heart big enough for any and all. He showed us all unconditional love and you know he TRULY cared about you. He is missed but will always be remembered.
Ginny Hernandez
Dear Lenny, Ana, and Teresa, my heartfelt condolences to your family and Don’s . I’m at a loss for words that would convey the sadness I feel for your family. I know your family is so close and loving to each other and so blessed that my sister married into the Rodriguez Family, I’m sure Don felt the same way, We love you and may God comfort you and your family. I am so glad to have seen you and Don at Alex’s graduation,
Kathy Turnbow/Lynn Wegesser
Dear Theresa and family,
Please accept our condolences on the loss of your Father.
Alfie Nunez
Always a kind and welcoming man who got along with everyone. I remember him pulling up in the huge SRP truck to eat Vera’s tacos, she loved his visits! Very sorry to hear of his passing.
Alfie Nunez & Family
Collin & Lynn Kerr
Hi
What a sad surprise to hear of Dons passing.
All of you are a pleasure to call friends and Don was how I met you.
Don was fun to visit, he always had a nice smile and a good word for all. He loved all and was not afraid to voice it.
We are on the road BUT we will take time to keep all of you in our prayers.
Love you all
Collin & Lynn Kerr
Dan Rodarte
Uncle Don
Thank you for all that you did for me, and my future. I will miss you, but never forget you.
Aunt Lenny we are only a phone call away.
Anna, Teresa I love you both.