Darrell L. Johnston, 78, of Scarborough, passed away on August 1, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. Born in Presque Isle Maine on Valentine’s Day in 1948, Darrell was the son of Leland and Jeanette Johnston. Darrell grew up in Presque Isle until the age of 12 when the family moved to Easton Maine. His strong work ethic was shaped early in life, working alongside his family at their grocery store and spending childhood harvest seasons picking potatoes in the fields of Aroostook County. He was always proud of his County roots.

In 1966, he graduated Salutatorian at Easton High School and was a member of the State Championship basketball team. Darrell attended USM in Gorham where he earned his degree in education - a choice that would define his lifelong commitment to helping others learn and grow. For many years, he taught as a dedicated and patient math teacher at Mahoney Middle School in South Portland, guiding generations of students through the intricacies of algebra and geometry with humor and heart. He coached boys basketball in middle school and later coached the South Portland High School Boys tennis team. Darrell had been an active, competitive, tennis player himself.

In 1971, he married Martha Stickney. Together they enjoyed a busy life with work, travel, hiking, and gardening. Never one to sit idle, Darrell embraced an active retirement. He enjoyed working seasonally at L.L. Bean and gave back generously to his community by volunteering at the South Portland Food Cupboard. In later years, Darrell and Martha resided at Piper Shores in Scarborough. He enjoyed an active lifestyle, and was never one to pass up a game of bridge.

Darrell is survived by his wife Martha of 55 years, son Andrew, daughter-in-law Meghan, and his cherished granddaughter Violet who brought him immense joy, sister Iola, and brother Brent, and pre-deceased by his sister Brenda.

Visitation will be held from 1pm-3pm on Saturday, August 8th at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the South Portland Food Cupboard, 443 Western Ave., South Portland, Maine 04106.