John E. Johnson (fondly called Jack) passed away peacefully on March 8th at Fairview Nursing Facility. Jack was 98 and a half, as he proudly told his friends.
Jack was born in 1919 and raised in Hartford where he helped run the family bottling works. In 1945 he married Doris Goodrich, another Hartford native.
Jack served in the Coast Guard during WWII. He attended school to hone his machinist skills. Following his years in the Coast Guard, Jack opened a glass business, painting and screening glassware to order.
Jack led an active life skiing, boating, biking and walking. He loved Vermont in the winter and Nantucket in the summer.
After spending summers at Black Point, Jack and Doris built a home in Niantic. While Doris taught school, Jack worked for Goodyear and then Electric Boat until his retirement.
Jack loved to build things. He was in his glory when relating how he built boats, go-carts, model planes, a fireplace or a garage. But by far his favorite pastime was fishing. He docked many boats at local boatyards and was kidded about how often he was out fishing for anything swimming by in the bay. He also enjoyed collecting and sharing family photos.
Jack is predeceased by his wife Doris. Jack and Doris raised three children: Cheryl Rutherford of Waterford, John Johnson of Niantic, and their late son Paul Johnson. He loved watching his grandchildren grow. Todd, Heather, Zack, Ryan, and Sarah were the smartest and most talented anywhere. And then came five great-grandchildren, Lauren, Paul, Katherine, Sam, and Kai, about whom he bragged continually.
Jack leaves a boatload of relatives and friends. Anne, Chip, Jane, Mike, Dave, Bari, Bajji, Krisztina, Jessica, Nick, Ruthie, and Bobby will miss his kindness and sense of humor.
Jack’s family would like to express their sincere thanks to the wonderful staff at Fairview for their good care and thoughtfulness.
A memorial service will be held when spring blooms and family visits.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Memorial Garden at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Niantic.
To share a message of condolence or remembrance with his family, please click the link below.