Joseph Michael Johnston, Jr.

Joseph Michael Johnston, age 38, passed away on Saturday April 15, 2023, at his home in Newark, DE.

Joe was raised in Delaware County, PA. He spent much of his early adulthood living in different parts of the tri-state area. Wherever he lived, he had a way of touching the lives of the people around him. He was magnetic and could make friends with anyone, anywhere.   Everyone who knew Joe described him as being a generous man with a large heart. He loved to cook and entertain friends.

In the rare event that you ever saw him relaxing, you might find him out on his kayak in the Chesapeake Bay or fishing on the Northeast River.

Joe had a great love for his family and had recently developed a love of farming. His dream of building a fully organic farm became a reality in 2022. When he wasn’t working, his hours were spent with his family, building up the farm of his dreams.  His wife, children, parents, and siblings are planning to carry on Joe’s farming vision. There was no limit to Joe’s ambitions and dreams. The memory of Joe will remind us that there is one tool for one job.  If it’s not working right, it’s probably the wrong tool.

He is survived by his wife, Katherine Johnston “Duffy”; five daughters, Lillian, Madison, Danielle, Charlee, and Shannon; two brothers, Peter and David; one sister, Maura (husband Tyler); his nephew Leo; and his parents, Joseph Johnston Sr. and Lillian (Gulotta) Johnston. 

You are invited to visit with Joseph’s family and friends from 5:00-8:00 PM on Monday, May 1, 2023, and 5:00-6:30 PM on Tuesday May 2, at True Life Church, 130 Executive Drive, Suite 8, Newark, DE 19702.  His Life Celebration service will follow at 6:30 PM on Tuesday at the church. 

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Joseph Michael Johnston Memorial Fund for the benefit of Joseph's children https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/joseph-michael-johnston-memorial-fund/7827/.   Arrangements are by Matthew Grieco of Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. of Kennett Square (484-734-8100) To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecofunerals.com