Landscape Architect                                                          Musician                                                    Poet

Of Mt. Lebanon, passed away on June 12, 2025, in Pittsburgh, PA surrounded by his loving family.  Born January 7, 1947 in Chambersburg, PA to the late Mary Eileen (Woods) and John Beaumont Middleton. John is survived by Kirby Dilworth, his domestic partner of 45 years; daughter Jennifer and grandsons Lindyn and Mackenzie of Victoria, Australia; brother Jim along with Stef, Andrew, NIck and their families of Duxbury, MA; sister Jeannie (Don Murray), niece Emily and nephew Zach. Jeannie will miss her early morning conversations with John about flowers and many diverse topics. John was preceded in death by Aunt Jean and Uncle Forrest Hedden and Aunt "Boo" (Jeanette Woods) and Stanley Webster. John Graduated Westmont Hilltop High School in Johnstown, PA, class of 1965. He played String Bass in the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra. John graduated with honors from Penn State University with a Degree in Landscape Architecture. He then did additional graduate work at Michigan State University and North Carolina State University. John was honored to be twice awarded a position at the Harvard University Dumbarton Oaks Fellowship in Washington, DC. He started work at Ed Bachtel and Associates in Wilmington, DE before moving to Pittsburgh to work for Environmental Planning and Design (EPD). He moved on to spend many years in private practice as John Robert Middleton Registered Landscape Architect. John was the winner of a competition to design the Vietnam Veterans Memorial located at the Roberto Clemente Park in Pittsburgh. He enjoyed writing poetry and published several books including Tombolo and Pumpkin Stew. John was a gentle spirit, caring for many in his AA journey. He was tough and persevering in his long successful quest for sobriety, for which we are grateful. A Celebration of John's Life will be held at the Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church 3319 West Liberty Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15216 at 11:00 AM on Friday June 12. Graveside services will take place Saturday June 13 at 12 Noon in Hacker Valley, WV. John requested all who attend to wear informal attire, preferably a plaid shirt and corduroy slacks!