Delvin W. Johnston

Delvin W. Johnston, age 76 of Kettering, OH, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Friday, April 8, 2022, surrounded by family at Hospice of Dayton. Cancer won their hard-fought 24-year battle. Del was born in Detroit, MI, on November 15, 1945, to John Alfred and Helen Margaret (O’Hagan) Johnston, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Brooke, in 2004 and his granddaughter, Mary Katherine, in 2018.

Del was happiest when surrounded by family. Hockey, baseball, family, and friends defined the majority of his formative years. He spent his winters on the ice with his brother and summers in Riversdale, Ontario - with family who forever remained central in his life in a place he considered his second home. He credited his Irish Canadian roots with his love of family, gift of gab, and abilities as a natural storyteller.

He was a proud member of the St. Agatha Catholic High School class of ‘63. After graduation, he attended classes at the University of Detroit before leaving to marry and start a family. Del worked various jobs in both finance and sales. Throughout that time, his continued interest in history and writing led to his decision to return to the UofD to further his education. There, he found a home in the theater department - an experience that would change the trajectory of his life.

While attending UofD, Del took a job as a substitute teacher at his old high school. Upon completing his BA and MLA, he proudly joined the faculty. There, he met, fell in love, and married his wife Judith Collins. They celebrated 22 years of marriage on June 14th of last year. Teaching was almost as much of a passion for Del as his dedication to his students. He taught English, literature, history, and theater. After St. Agatha closed, he went on to teach at St. Katharine Drexel, Holy Redeemer, and Cabrini high schools in Michigan, before moving to Kettering, OH, where he taught at Archbishop Alter High School. After his retirement, he stayed active in the community and continued to teach at Sinclair Community College’s Upward Bound Program in Dayton.

Del wrote, produced, and directed community theater in the Detroit area. Theater became ingrained in his soul. He shared that passion with his students by building a theater department for them from the ground up. He used theater as a tool to inspire his students and they, in turn, inspired him. After moving to Dayton, Del became involved in the Dayton Theatre Guild which led to his receiving a DayTony Award for scenic design.

As an avid historian and adventurer, his next trip was never more than a few months away. Together Del and Judy traveled the country, meeting and making friends as they went. He was affectionately known to his family as “the man who never met a stranger.” Del also enjoyed sharing his love of history with others. As such, he volunteered at the Yankee Air Museum in Ypsilanti, MI, as well as America’s Packard Museum and the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, OH.

Del was a loving and supportive son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. He wore a variety of hats in life as a teacher, poet, writer, history scholar, adventurer, and true lover of life. He helped many find their voice and have the courage to shout out loud. He never stopped living life regardless of the adversities that he faced and he taught us all by example to do the same.

Along with his wife Judy, Del is survived by his children: Terry Johnston of Salem, MI, Delvin (Jennifer) Johnston, Jr. of Bellaire, MI, Christine (Ronald) Stamper of Wolverine Lake, MI, Christopher (Heather) Collins of Findlay, OH, and his niece: Michelle (Edward) Potas of Detroit, MI. Also surviving are numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a great-nephew.

Del’s family and friends will be gathering to celebrate his life from 5-9 pm at the former St. Agatha Catholic Church (now David Ellis Academy West), 19800 Beech Daly, Redford, MI. on Friday, May 13, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 20800 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, MI. Fr. Victor Clore will officiate services. Interment will follow at a later date at All Saints Cemetery in Waterford, MI.

Del’s family wishes to thank Dr. Mark Romer and all the nurses and staff at Dayton Physicians Cancer Care and Maple Tree Cancer Alliance for their exemplary care, along with all of those at Hospice of Dayton who helped care for him during his final days. They would also like to thank all of Del’s students for their endless creativity and inspiration. It was through teaching that Del found his calling in life. You gave him a space to express his abilities as a historian, storyteller, teacher, and mentor. He greatly appreciated every one of you.

Del’s spirit will be felt wherever stories are being told and laughter fills a room. He will be cherished in our hearts and remembered in our actions. He will surely be missed!

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Maple Tree Cancer Alliance.