Thomas Fontaine Johnson

Tom was born on March 26, 1940, in Galesburg, Illinois, to Norman and Gene Johnson, and spent most of his childhood in Schenectady, NY. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from Union College in New York and spent the summer of 1961 in Berlin, Germany—an experience that coincided with the building of the Berlin Wall and deeply influenced the direction of his life.

Tom returned to Berlin to complete a Master’s degree in Political Science at Freie Universität Berlin (1962–1966) and joined the Foreign Service in 1967. Over his 24-year diplomatic career, he served in Washington DC/VA, Paraguay, Germany, Liberia, and Mexico. Following his Foreign Service career, Tom worked with Youth for Understanding and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Singapore, before returning to the Department of State for an additional 20 years.

Tom was an active member at Little River United Church of Christ (LRUCC) in Annandale, VA; Congressional Summer Assembly (CSA) in Frankfort, MI; the Lions Club chapters in Frankfurt, Germany, and Annandale, VA; and DACOR, an organization of foreign affairs professionals in Washington, DC.

He loved reading, classical music, travel, good food, and meeting new people. Tom will be remembered for his deep knowledge of history, his funny and memorable stories, and the lifelong friendships he nurtured across the globe.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carolyn Johnson; his brother, Bruce Johnson; his children, Patrick Johnson and Suzanne Mabaso; daughters-in-law, Diane Bibb and Jennifer Johnson; son-in-law, Tony Mabaso Mondlane; and grandchildren, Ashlyn Bibb-Johnson, Emily Johnson, Simphiwe Kawulela Mondlane, Tau Mabaso, and Khanyi Aliya Mabaso, along with many dear friends around the world. He was predeceased by his son, Erik Johnson; his parents, Norman and Gene Johnson; and his older brother, Alan Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Tom’s honor to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) or a charity of your choice. The family would also be grateful to receive cards sharing your stories and memories of Tom.

A Celebration of Life for Thomas Fontaine Johnson will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Little River United Church of Christ, 8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003.

Family will receive visitors beginning at 12:00 p.m. prior to the service. A reception for family and friends will follow in the church social hall.