Donald W. Johnson, 99, of Melrose, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Melrose- Wakefield Hospital.

Don was born in Hayti, South Dakota, on November 25, 1926, to the late Palmer and Ruby (née Wold) Johnson. At the age of fourteen, his family moved to Brookings South Dakota where he attended Brookings High School. After he graduated from high school, Don proudly enlisted in the United States Navy when he was seventeen. He served as an Electronic Technician's Mate during World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946. After his time in the Navy, Don attended and graduated from South Dakota State University earning his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

Don began his career in Engineering with General Electric which saw him apply his expertise in several divisions within the company. He spent time in Colombus, Ohio, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, before coming to Greater Boston GE facilities where he would spend the rest of his career. He truly enjoyed his work and made many lasting friendships at GE.

Don married Carol Anne Rose and she unexpectedly passed in 1971 shortly after moving to Melrose. In 1976, Don married Carolyn Zeitz and they went on to share many happy years of love and adventure. She passed away in 2008.

A kind and gentle man, Don enjoyed most time spent with his family. He and Carolyn enjoyed sailboat racing at Lake Quannapowitt where he served as the Commodore of the Quannapowitt Yacht Club. He also enjoyed world travel with Carolyn, traveling all over Asia and Europe, among many others.

Don's faith was central to his life. He was an active and long-time member of the Melrose Highlands Congregational Church. 

As an Engineer, Don possessed a natural curiosity about how things worked. He loved tinkering and fixing things around his home; he learned Chair Caning and taught it at the Senior Center and took great joy in painting with watercolor.

Don will be deeply missed by all and his memory will carry on with those who knew and loved him.

Don was the beloved husband of the late Carolyn (Zeitz) Johnson and the late Carol Anne (Rose) Johnson. Devoted father of David Johnson of Medford, and the late Carol Lee Schmahl and her surviving husband Jeff of Granby, CT, and stepfather to Carolyn's children Claudia Webster and her husband Wayne of Westborough, Robin Zeitz of Danvers and Amy Norton and her husband John of Abington. Cherished grandfather of Katherine Guthro and her husband Ben, Laura Webster and her husband Jared Schwartz, Michael Norton, Kelly Hofmann and her husband Connor, and Jennifer Schmahl along with four great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather in honor of Don for his Memorial Service at the Melrose Highlands Congregational Church, 355 Franklin St., Melrose, on Saturday June 6th at 2 PM. Interment will be in First Lutheran Cemetery in Brookings, South Dakota.