William J. Johnston
April 16, 1943 ~ May 12, 2026
William J. Johnston, 83, of Tequesta, Florida, passed away on May 12, 2026, surrounded by loving family after a courageous battle against cancer.
William was born on April 16, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of William Johnston and Jacqueline (Fischer) Johnston.
William graduated from Morgan Park High School in 1962, then went on to Chicago City Junior College, earning an associate’s degree. Shortly after he joined the Chicago Police Department Training Division to pursue law enforcement.
William married Claire (Lagueux) Johnston on May 30, 2021, at home, with Andrew Johnston officiating. William and Claire were happily together for a total of 19 years and married for almost 5 years until his passing.
William served as a decorated police officer in Chicago for 33 years, sustaining injury in the line of duty, earning the Blue Heart. He eventually moved to Tequesta, Florida and served 12 years as a police officer in the Town of Palm Beach, Florida until he eventually retired after 45 years of total law enforcement service.
William especially loved boating, golfing, and cooking new cuisines (known as Bill the Foodie).
William was a member of the American Legion, Eagles, and Moose Lodge in Jupiter-Tequesta, Florida.
Remaining to cherish William’s memories are his spouse, Claire Johnston; brother, Andrew Johnston and his wife Nancy; step-daughter, Tracy Ober; grandson, Craig Ober; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding William in death is his parents, William Johnston and Jacqueline (Fischer) Johnston; first-wife, Judith (Hanson) Johnston; brothers, Douglas and Kevin Johnston; sister, Diane Johnston; and nephew, Robert Johnston.
William’s Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Memorial donations in William’s memory may be directed to St. Jude’s and/ or the American Legion building fund in Tequesta, Florida.
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Stephanie - Niece
May 18, 2026, 9:14 pm
Some of my best childhood memories include Uncle Bill and Aunt Judy for their fun parties in Chicago on Bell Ave, alongside my fellow Johnston cousins. …And Grady too! He would never disappoint as a host, and even as we got older and started visiting him in Florida with aunt Claire, it was never anything short of everything! I’m Sorry I didn’t get to go visit him one more time… As a fellow Moose Lodger, I regret never getting to share one at the clubhouse with him, or possibly even ringing the bell (if I dared)!
Bethany Humpage - Friend
May 21, 2026, 3:08 pm
I knew Bill for the last 15 years of his life. He was a character and provided a lot of entertainment with his personality for sure. His last years were tough but he didn’t give in to his illness, he fought until the end. His numerous medications made him cranky and short tempered. Underneath all that he was going through, was a warm hearted, kind and generous man. He will definitely be missed by his family and numerous friends. Rest in peace my friend.