Reverend Hewitt Vinnedge Johnston, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on Monday, January 13, 2025. He was born on July 06, 1939, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Milton and Kathrin Johnston. A man of deep faith, boundless love, and extraordinary dedication to his family and community, Hewitt led a life of service that touched many.
Hewitt’s academic journey began at Hope College, where he earned a degree in music. His passion for learning continued at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, where he not only deepened his knowledge of the faith, but also grew in his commitment to the church. While at Seabury, he worked as a counselor at Cass Lake Episcopal Church Camp, a formative experience where he met his future wife, Cynthia Hendricks. Their love story began with a simple act of kindness: Hewitt, ever eager to help, lent Cynthia an umbrella during preparations for a camp skit. From that moment on, their bond was unbreakable, leading to their marriage in Stony Brook, Long Island, NY, in August 1964. Their love would endure for 62 years.
Hewitt’s ministry took him to various parishes throughout his life, including in Elk Rapids, MI, Charleviox, MI, Belleville, IL, and Tampa, FL. He also served as interim rector at several churches in Florida and New Jersey. His devotion to the Episcopal Church was unwavering, and his leadership and pastoral care were a source of strength and inspiration to all who knew him.
After a distinguished career in the Church, Hewitt returned to his first love – music. He became the Executive Director of the Philharmonic Orchestra of New Jersey, a position he held with passion and dedication until his retirement in 2007. His love for the arts remained a constant source of joy and fulfillment in his life.
Hewitt was also a significant co-founder and board member of the American Cancer Fund (ACF) for 20 years. Starting in 2005, Hewitt’s service to others enabled ACF to begin pulling together our shared cancer experiences and knowledge to create our first website. Over the years Hewitt’s direction, compassion, and experience helped ACF grow into a significant web based resource for Cancer patients across the US reaching hundreds of thousands of people seeking necessary information and support.
However, it was in his family that Hewitt found his greatest joy. He was fiercely proud of his son, Eric J. Johnston, who served for 24 years in the U.S. Army. Hewitt also cherished his role as “Gramps” to his two granddaughters, Delaney and Riley Jo Johnston, and he eagerly awaited each new adventure they would share with him. His love for them was immeasurable, and he found great delight in being part of their lives.
Hewitt was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Kathrin Johnston. He is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia; his son, Eric (Amy); his granddaughters, Delaney and Riley Jo; and his adoring sister, Margaret (John) Woodarek of Bradenton, Florida. His will be deeply missed by all who knew him for his unwavering faith, his boundless love, and his unselfish service to others.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate Hewitt’s life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Episcopal Church or the Philharmonic Orchestra of New Jersey in his honor.
He was a man of great integrity and love, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Berryhill Funeral Home assisted the family.
