Obituary of David L Johnstone

September 12, 1959 - January 3, 2024

David L. Johnstone, a Renaissance man, was keenly interested in a multitude of topics, be it providing his clients the perfect hair color, tending his dahlia garden, building a tool shed, transforming houses into exquisitely beautiful homes, or preparing an impeccable menu to host his friends. Extremely well-read, he was versed in many topics and displayed a sardonic wit. He brought class, creativity, intelligence, and style to any situation. David was a genuinely kind man and made anyone near him feel special.

David spent his youth between North Branford, Connecticut, and Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. His love of nature began as a young boy. That curiosity led him to study forestry engineering at Oregon State University. He eventually returned to the New York area and embarked on a career as a hair colorist, spending the last decades as the Color Director at the Yves Durif Salon at the Carlyle Hotel in Manhattan. 

David and his partner, Ken, renovated and lived in several homes, most recently in the Forest Hill Historic District in Newark, New Jersey, Hunterdon County, New Jersey, Atlantic City, New Jersey and Block Island, Rhode Island. One always felt lucky to be invited to one of their beautiful homes.

Survivors are his partner of 35 years, Kenneth M. Kroll, his father (Parker Johnstone) and stepmother (Helen Johnstone), and four brothers, Douglas Johnstone, Frederick Johnstone (Suzy), Steven Johnstone, and Thomas Johnstone (Robin). He also leaves several nieces, nephews, and a group of very dear friends including, Brian Unruh, Mary Gullickson, Diane Fisher-Flores, Gabrielle O'Shea, Mark Covey, Israel Ehrisman, and the artists Deborah Kass and Rochelle Feinstein.

David joins his mother, Phyllis Layton Johnstone. 

David spent the last two years fighting cardiac amyloidosis and passed peacefully at the age of 64 at Newark Beth Israel Hospital with Ken by his side. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 13^th 10am-12:30pm at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, Basking Ridge, NJ.

If you are attending the memorial service, traditional funeral colors and dress (black suits/dresses) are not expected. Please feel free to wear colors and a style that appropriately reflects the occasion, but also how David knew you.

To honor David's life and the health care professionals who cared for him, in lieu of flowers please consider making contributions to: 

Heart Transplant Program

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

Development Department 

201 Lyons Avenue, G2

Newark, New Jersey 07112

Online gifts can also be made at www.newarkbethgiving.org