David William Johnson

David “Dave” William Johnson, 73, of Melbourne, Florida, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on November 5, 2026.

Dave was born in Peoria, Illinois, in 1953 to Earl and Arlene Johnson. Growing up alongside his brother, Dan, born just a year later, Dave spent his childhood playing neighborhood basketball, riding bikes across the city, and spending summers at his grandparents’ dairy farm in Wisconsin. He attended Peoria Central High School and later studied at Bradley University.

In 1972, Dave answered the call to service and joined the United States Marine Corps, where he qualified for the Expert Rifle Badge on both the M14 and M16 service rifles, as well as the Expert Pistol Badge. He was also selected for avionics training and primarily served in avionics support roles for the EA-6B Prowler before transitioning from the Marine Corps to a contractor role with Grumman. Across his military service and his time with Grumman—where he spent even more time deployed at sea than during his USMC career—Dave completed multiple aircraft carrier deployments that took him to ports around the globe, serving aboard the USS America, the USS Coral Sea, the USS Midway, and the USS Independence.

While stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, he formed a lifelong friendship with fellow Marine, Craig Foster—a bond that would change his life when Craig introduced him to his sister, Diane. Dave and Diane were married in 1983, while Dave was based at Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia. While building his career and raising a young family, Dave earned his degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

In 1990, Dave and Diane moved their family to Melbourne, Florida, where Dave completed a 39-year career at Northrop Grumman. Beyond his professional life, he was a constant presence in his kids’ activities—coaching his daughter’s rec soccer team and volunteering as an Eau Gallie High School Marching Band “Mule”, hauling and unloading front ensemble instruments and gear at football games. Dave loved science fiction, deeply appreciated military history, and enjoyed the craft of target shooting and the minutiae of reloading. Family and friends will also fondly remember his legendary sweet tooth, as dinner was never truly complete without a tasty dessert.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Arlene Johnson.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Diane; his children, Kristen (Phillip) Hare of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Kyle (Stephanie) Johnson of Arlington, Virginia; his granddaughter, Sloane; his brother, Dan Johnson of Peoria, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

Interment with military honors will be held at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Semper Fi & America’s Fund or St. Francis Hospice.