George Donald Johnston, Jr., 86, of Vero Beach, died, Jan. 3, 2014.
He was born to the late Isabella and George D. Johnston, Sr., on March 9, 1927, in Elmira, N.Y.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Europe during World War II.
Johnston had a bachelors of arts in journalism and economics from Michigan State University; a masters of arts from Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), and attended Harvard Business School’s 61st Advanced Management Program.
Johnston worked his entire career at the J. Walter Thompson Company, starting in 1951 as a trainee in the mailroom.
His career involved management assignments in Colombia, Holland, Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom.
He was president & CEO from 1974-78, and chairman & CEO from 1978-87.
He was a board director of Equitable Life Assurance Society and McGraw-Hill Inc., chairman of the International Executive Service Corps, trustee of The Johns Hopkins University, and chairman of Johns Hopkins SAIS Advisory Board.
Johnston was an active member of the Bent Pine Golf Club and the John’s Island Club.
Survivors include his wife, Sarita; his three sons Don, Richard and Michael; nine grandchildren and his sister, Louise.
The internment was held on Jan. 10, 2014.
A memorial service will be held in Vermont in August, 2014.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to VNA Hospice Care, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach.