In Loving Memory of William D. Johnston

William D. Johnston, 65, of Germantown, MD, passed away unexpectedly at his home on August 7, 2024.

Born in Braintree, Massachusetts, to the late William H. Johnston and Dorothy H. Johnston, Bill will be remembered for his quick wit, brilliant mind, and deep love for dogs.

Bill grew up in Fulton, NY, where he excelled both as a golfer and a student. He graduated as Valedictorian from G. Ray Bodley High School in 1976. He then attended Colgate University and later Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, where he earned his undergraduate degree. Bill continued his education with postgraduate studies at the University of Delaware in Newark, where he completed a PhD program in Materials Engineering and met his wife of 30 years, Yansong Ni. Bill held various positions throughout his career before retiring from Comcast Cable in 2021.

In his spare time, Bill enjoyed rocking out on his guitar, exploring computer science, and cooking. He also dreamed of writing a novel from the perspective of a dog. Above all, Bill cherished his family and especially treasured the time spent with his beloved grandchildren, Noah and Lily.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Yansong Ni; his stepdaughter, Lu Bai of Fairfax, VA (Victor), and their two children, Noah and Lily, whom Bill cherished as his grandchildren. He is also survived by his two siblings: his sister, Karen Johnston Jennings of Osprey, FL (Rob), and his brother, Curt Johnston of Reading, PA (Danielle). Additionally, Bill leaves behind his niece, Becca Johnston Jennings Boyd of Bradenton, FL (Stu), and his nephew, Rob Jennings IV of Philadelphia, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Homeward Trails Adoption Center.