Obituary of John Falconer Johnston, II
John Falconer Johnston, 2nd, a partner retired from the Debevoise & Plimpton law firm and former Village of Matinecock mayor, passed peacefully at his home surrounded by family on August 9th. He was 89.
Mr. Johnston graduated from Williams College in 1954 and Harvard Law School in 1957. He joined the Debevoise & Plimpton Trusts and Estates practice group upon graduation and remained there until his retirement in 1993. Professionally, he had the pleasure of assisting some of the pre-eminent families in the region plan for future generations. Outside of work, he was active on many boards including Auburn Theological Seminary and the Roslyn and Locust Valley libraries. In 1998, he was elected mayor the Village of Matinecock where he helped lead the village for over a decade.
An avid student all of his life, Mr. Johnston filled his life with art, music, travel and books, delighting in historical accounts of artists and politicians, among other things. Devoted to his family, Mr. Johnston liked nothing better than to spend time with Carol, his wife of 68 years, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. A perfect Saturday always included the Metropolitan opera broadcast and a book. He was also active in the Presbyterian church, having served as a Council Member for the Presbytery of Long Island and an Elder in the Glen Cove Presbyterian Church.
He was predeceased by his sister Sandra and his son Duncan. He is survived by his wife, Carol,
daughters Marcia and Lydia, grandchildren Daniel, Rebecca, Emma and Jeremy and great-grandchild, Tully. All will miss his quick wit and turn of a phrase. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the American Civil Liberties Union (http://www.aclu.org/action/) or Literary Arts (http://www.literary-arts.org/product/donate/).
Memorial Service and Burial will be held at a later date.