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Charmed by knowing his mother had found a four leaf clover the day he was born, David A. Johnston III, 55, died April 7, 2016, with a flute by his side next to the Susquehanna River. He was in his beloved Harrisburg where he was born in Harrisburg Hospital October 9, 1960, and lived most of his life.
David was the son of Irene W. Appleyard and the late David A. Johnston Jr. (1934-1987). He is survived by sister Ann S. and Jennifer P. Johnston (Thomas Harlow) and nephews Calvin Lever and Liam Johnston. He has two step siblings Lorraine and Karl (Kathy) Appleyard and was predeceased by Milton J. Appleyard. His grandparents were Dr. & Mrs. Charles L. Wilbar and Dr. & Mrs. David A. Johnston. Dr. Wilbar was Pennsylvania Secretary of Health 1955-67, under Governors Leader, Lawrence and Scranton. Dr. Johnston was a surgeon at Harrisburg Hospital
and the Pennsylvania State Police.
David's early years were spent in the countryside near Hummelstown with tadpoles, squirrels and his dogs Salt and Pepper as his favorite companions along with his sisters. The family moved to Hershey where he caused consternation for teachers and impish inspiration for the students. He graduated from Hershey High School in 1978. He attended Hampshire College in Amherst Massachusetts majoring in Religion and Philosophy, then dropped out for some education from the world. In six years he returned to Hampshire to get a B.A. in Information Technology.
Many people in Harrisburg have seen a big guy covering an amazing amount of territory in the city. He was probably advocating for human rights and civil justice, going to something fun like a jam session or to the Midtown Cinema.
In spite of a devastating motorcycle accident 13 years ago that left him in excruciating pain for the rest of his life David was a fierce advocate for social justice. Being keenly aware of the privilege of being a white American male he fought passionately for the oppressed near and far. He always did his homework on the issues and carried out his advocacy by writing and visiting his congressmen, giving information and asking intelligent questions at social justice meetings or picketing. He also created film art, music or poetry to help people understand some of the devastating effects of human injustices.
Being somewhat of a Michael Moore of Harrisburg his primary causes were prison reform, the uselessness of the death penalty and the horrors of the criminal justice system. The devastating human price of fracking, climate change, lack of reproductive choice for underprivileged women were a few as were working to free from prison the Move 9, Leonard Peltier and Mumia Abu Jimal and many of the Quaker causes.
Before his accident he was both an intellect (archivist) and a laborer. His work spanned from restoring the capital as a mason to cab driving in NYC to a lobster fishing in Maine. He understood what hard work was which made him understand people from all walks of life.
Perhaps his greatest role was being a FRIEND. He was fun to be with, was spiritual and had a great sense of humor. He deeply cared for his family, friends and society and was an inspiration to all. We will miss him dearly and hope his life long project of a film for social injustice and the environment will be published someday. He would have encouraged all of us to keep up the work of making the world a better place.
The Celebration of his life will be held at Friends Meeting House 1100 N. 6th Street Harrisburg April 23, 2016 at 1:00pm.
Any contributions to honor David may be sent to The Friends Meeting of Harrisburg, 1100 N 6th St., Harrisburg, PA or to a cause of your choice.
Those wishing to leave on-line condolences or share memories are invited to visit hetrickbitnerfuneralhome.com www.pennlive.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hetrick-Bitner Funeral Home, Inc..
Continuing to hold David's mother, Irene, in the light.
Love and Blessings,
Connie
Connie Cardillo
April 11, 2022
So important it is to remember. I say his name aloud, David, as I recall his extraordinary life
Bonnie Rice
Friend
April 11, 2021
Remembering David this day with a smile and a heart full of love.
Bonnie Ruce
Friend
April 11, 2020
Rest in peace Brother,the world has lost a great man.
December 23, 2019
My heart goes out to Irene, a lovely person and loving Mom. I remember David well as someone who cared deeply for the earth and humankind.
Connie Cardillo
May 24, 2016
Dear Irene: I am so sorry for the loss of your son.
Barbara Fishman
May 7, 2016
To Dave's Family and friends: My condolences Dave's passing. I met Dave last year at an AWE service. I saw and spoke with him at numerous environmental events. What a loss to the family, community, and world.
Arlene Taylor
May 4, 2016
I remember running into David around town over the years. Always a nice guy and a positive presence. I saw him a mere day or two before his passing, enjoying a drink at Little Amps. We spoke, and he seemed upbeat about the coming of Spring. My condolences to friends and family.
Jonathan Frazier
April 27, 2016
David and I once went for a hike in Stoney Creek Valley on a brisk spring day. We hiked around without a map for most of the afternoon, searching for the old stone tower, purpose unknown, that is the chief landmark of the valley. We were on the wrong ridge, wrong trail, but still had a great time. Being young and foolish we swam in the creek, which was very cold. David dove in and came up smiling, dripping like a giant golden retriever. I came down with a touch of pneumonia as a result of our icy plunge , but I will never forget that day, when the sky and air were so clear, the wild red asparagus was pushing up through the mud and life lay ahead of us like a blank page. David's book is now closed, and his life now seems like a long lost chapter of my own sojourn. So long Stoney, wish I'd been there to say goodbye.
David Hostetter
April 27, 2016
He was always nice to me.
April 23, 2016
What a loss....David Hostetter, Willie Nelson and I used to spend time with that smiling guy, me mostly tagging along - amazed by David's uniqueness. I lost touch with David many years ago but, wanted to remember David and express my condolences for your loss of a great human being, for our loss...
Bruce Cary
April 19, 2016
So sorry for the loss of David he was a great and caring man
Freda Willis
April 19, 2016
What a wonderful human being. Such a great person. One of the first people I met at the Quaker church in Harrisburg. So loving and welcoming. I really enjoyed my time with him. Thank you to whomever wrote this obituary. I can't say enough good things about him. Sending my love. Alysepauline
Alyse Sferlazza
April 19, 2016
Dear Irene, Ann, Jennifer and Family.
What a fantastic sharing you have done of the life of David. He was a unique, dynamic, loving , creative person whose death will be mourned by so many.. May he rest at peace while his memory and influence live on. With my deepest sympathy.
Bonnie Rice
April 18, 2016
My condolences to Dave's family and all our friends. His obituary spoke to the truth that Dave lived his life. He was a soldier for justice and all life. That was our Dave. A really rare great person. The world has lost a wonderful advocate. There are not many like him in this world today. May he rest in peace. It is always hard to find words at a time like this. So, until later or we meet again, Peace and Justice, May Dave keep moving with life on the next level.
Denise G, Dave's friend. He was our brother. With the seriousness of the issues fought for, like the freeing of the innocent MOVE family, there was smiles and laughter. Dave would have a infectious smile. It would e a crime for all the work that Dave did to be lost. It needs to be preserved!
Denise G
April 18, 2016
Such a loss for you, his family; this kind, optimistic, friendly smiling man.
We will miss him here at Presbyterian
Apartments. God bless you all.
Pam Proctor
Pamela Proctor
April 18, 2016
I had the privilege of being Dave's Property Manager for a few years, but the minute you met Dave, you loved him. He was passionate about so many things and we had many philosophical conversations~ as he was a wealth of information. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and though I never met his family, I can imagine how loved he was....He will be missed.
Ann Grayco Apts.
April 18, 2016
My sincere condolences to the entire family.
William Anderson
April 18, 2016
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