Donald Charles Johnson

Donald “Don” C. Johnson, of Newton Centre, 79, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.

A lifelong Newton resident, Don lived with unwavering optimism, deep integrity, and a warm sense of humor. He was most at home surrounded by family and immersed in the community he loved.

Born to the late Burton M. and Barbara (Swig) Johnson, Don graduated from the Browne & Nichols School and from Tufts University. He married his high school sweetheart, Lynne (Marcus), and together they built a joyful, loving marriage that spanned nearly 57 years.

Don began his career as a 6th grade teacher in the Newton Public Schools, where he shared his love of language and learning. He later joined his father and brother, Robert (Bob), to co-found and operate Century Mailing Company, a direct mail processing firm, which he helped lead for thirty-five years. His commitment to service extended beyond business—Don gave back to the city he loved by serving as head of the Newton Chamber of Commerce, where he worked to strengthen and uplift the local community. Don also helped found Journey Forward a non-profit dedicated to bettering the lives of those with spinal cord injuries and disabilities. In his “retirement” years, Don found joy in supporting Lynne’s small business, Inviting Company, and he took great pride in his role—often joking that he simply did “whatever my wife tells me to do!”

Above all, Don was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He cherished his role as a family man and was a steady source of love, laughter, and guidance.

Don will be dearly missed by his loving family, his beloved wife, Lynne Johnson; his daughter, Lisa (Johnson) Borland and her husband Scott Borland of Nolensville, TN; his son, Douglas Johnson and his wife Alexis (Bayoud) Johnson of Los Angeles, CA; his four grandchildren, Jack and Reese Borland, and Rose and Clive Johnson; brother-in-law Jon Marcus; sister-in-law Karen Johnson; nephew Richard Johnson, and nieces Nancy (Johnson) Holtschlag and Deborah Johnson. Don’s legacy of kindness, dedication, and humor lives on in all who had the privilege to know him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to support the Brigham Fund at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Checks can be made payable to Brigham and Women’s Hospital with “In memory of Donald Johnson” in the memo line and sent to Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Development Office, 263 Huntington Avenue, #318, Boston, MA 02115-4506 or visit bwhgiving.org/memorial to make your gift online.