Edward M. "Eddie" Johnson, a lifelong resident of Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Monday, December 16, 2014 at Spaulding Nursing and Therapy Center in the North End of Boston following a courageous battle with cancer. He was 73 years old.
Eddie was born in Boston on May 8, 1941, a son of the late Frederick Johnson and Mary (Dyer) Johnson. He grew up in Charlestown where he was educated in the Boston Public School system. Eddie enlisted into the United States Army on March 21, 1963 and served his country with honor and dignity during the Vietnam Conflict. He was discharged on March 19, 1965 with the rank of Private First Class. Eddie worked for many years on the Boston waterfront with the International Longshoreman's Union and was a member of the International Watchman's Union Local # 809. He was a member of Bunker Hill Council # 62, Knights of Columbus. Eddie's passion in life was hockey and the countless days and hours he dedicated himself to the young boys of Charlestown with the Charlestown Youth Hockey program in the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's. His influence on the many boys in Charlestown who played hockey and went on to brighter futures because of the coaching and direction that Eddie gave them. Eddie was also the former owner of the Boston Harbor Wolves Junior Hockey Team and was an avid Boston Bruins fan.
Eddie is the beloved husband of 43 years to Mary A. (Brigham) Johnson. He is the devoted father of Christopher P. Johnson of Charlestown. He is the beloved brother of Ann Blaney of Chelmsford, Patricia Rudy of Charlestown, Mary Maloney of Stoneham, Marilyn O'Donnell of Derry, New Hampshire and the late Kathleen "Kay" McDonough and Frederick "Red" Johnson. He is the loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. He is the dear friend to Joe Craven of New York.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Eddie's Funeral on Monday, December 22, 2014 at 9 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Francis De Sales Church, 313 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown at 10 A.M. His burial will be at the Veterans Administration National Cemetery in Bourne at 1:15 P.M. Visiting hours will be on Sunday, December 21, 2014 from 2 to 6 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Eddie's name to The Charlestown Boys & Girls Club, 15 Green St. Charlestown, Mass. 02129.