David Matthew Johnston

David Matthew Johnston
August 12, 1961 - September 26, 2025

David Matthew Johnston, 64, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, at USC Keck Hospital in Los Angeles, California, surrounded by his beloved wife, children, and brother, after a courageous battle with cancer. Known to many as “Professor,” David lived a life defined by devotion—to his faith, his family, and his country.

Born on August 12, 1961, in Olean, New York, David was the first-born of seven children to Phillip and MaryAnn Johnston. His early years took him across New York, California, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland, yet his fondest memories remained of those spent in Olean—especially summers with extended family, the annual Mahrajan picnics, and services at St. Joseph Maronite Catholic Church, where he was baptized and confirmed.

A Denbigh High School graduate in Newport News, Virginia, David played football before attending several esteemed institutions, including William & Mary, George Washington University, and ultimately St. Mary’s College of Maryland, where he earned his BS in Theoretical Mathematics in 1986. Known for his intelligence, wit, and zest for life, he played collegiate lacrosse, hosted lively gatherings, and raised pet ferrets, making lasting friendships along the way. His curious mind and natural leadership foreshadowed a lifetime of excellence both in and out of uniform.

Answering the call to serve, David joined the United States Navy in 1986, beginning flight training at NAS Pensacola and NAS Chase Field. Over a distinguished 23-year military career, he served as a decorated aviator and officer across multiple commands, flying the F-14 Tomcat and F-15 Eagle. His assignments took him aboard the USS Forrestal, USS Carl Vinson, and USS Eisenhower, and into operations including Provide Comfort, Deliberate Forge, and Southern Watch. His numerous deployments included: the Mediterranean Sea, the Pacific theater, the Atlantic theater, the Persian Gulf, the Adriatic Sea, and Saudi Arabia. He was revered by his peers as a skilled instructor pilot, a loyal leader, and a man of immutable integrity. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Award, Air Medal (w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Aerial Achievement Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award (w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster), among many other achievements, most notably, VF-101 RTU Top Stick Award/Distinguished graduate, VF-31 Top Hook, and 27 FS Flight Commander of the Quarter- Top Gun of the Quarter-Wingman of the year.

After retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel, David carried his passion for aviation into a new chapter with Lockheed Martin, serving as an F-35 Simulator Instructor across Japan, England, and the United States. His gift for teaching and mentoring continued to inspire those around him.

Beyond his professional achievements, David was a devoted husband to Melissa McBrayer Johnston, whom he married on July 15, 1989, in Beeville, Texas, and a proud father to Erin Camille (Nico) and Alexander Tate. His faith, rooted in the Maronite Catholic tradition, carried him through every challenge, including his final battle with cancer. Those closest to him knew a man of unmatched wit, integrity, and generosity—intense yet compassionate, brilliant yet humble. He lived fully, loved deeply, and always spoke truthfully.

David was a man of remarkable depth, and his passions were as wide-ranging as his intellect: music—guitar, piano, bass, drums; strategy games with family; computer building; cooking and hosting; perfecting homemade pizza, and smoked meats; biking and swimming; and, quiet Sundays spent with scripture, cigars, and birdsong. He was happiest surrounded by laughter, good conversation, and the people he loved. He found joy in life’s simple blessings, and shared that joy, generously. His faith was unshakable, anchoring him through every challenge, including a valiant two-year battle with cancer that he faced with courage, and grace.

David is survived by his wife of 37 years, Melissa; children Erin (24) and Alexander (22); siblings Paul (Laura) Johnston, Phillip (Kim), Elizabeth, Andrea (Bob) Couto, Mark (James), and Daniel (Josie); and nieces, Gelene, Rachel, Haley, Madaline, and Jessica; and nephews, Zachary, Chase, and Will, and many cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip (Aug 20, 2025) and MaryAnn Johnston (July 9, 2022).

A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, October 24, 2025, at St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church, 10325 Rancho Destino Road, Las Vegas, Nevada, beginning with a gathering at 9:30 a.m. and Mass at 10:00 a.m., with Father Nadim presiding. Full military honors will follow, Bob Couto as guest bugler. An open house Luncheon Reception at the home of Eric and Jill Hosafros (cjillh2012@gmail.com) for rsvp/directions.

The family would like to thank the entire dedicated staff of USC Keck Hospital, especially the 9th floor “angels”.

Special thanks to the most amazing team of physicians that worked tirelessly, on David’s behalf, through his relentless battle with cancer:
Inderbir S. Gill, MD USC Institute of Urology; Rajeev Kalra, MD MOCFH Nellis AFB; Michael Verni, MD Urology Center Las Vegas; and Ammar M. Yousif, MD Oncologist Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Keck Medicine of USC Greatest Needs Fund.

As a final tribute, we remember the words that speak to the soul of the aviator he was—a man who touched the heavens and, in faith, touched the face of God.

"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air....
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.
Where never lark, or even eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God."
– John Gillespie McGee, Jr. 1941

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