Sutton: Roland “Rollie” V. Johnson, 88, devoted husband of Julia T. Johnson for over 61 years, went home to his heavenly Father on Sunday, August 12, 2018.
Roland was born in Worcester, the son of the late John V. Johnson and Disa J.A. Carlson, both of Sweden. His brother Eric T. Johnson predeceased him in 1944. He leaves behind his sons and daughters, Andrea S. Letourneau and husband Steven of Millbury, MA, Stephanie J. Sjoblad and husband Jon of Raleigh, NC and Daniel E. Johnson and his partner Edwin Guignard of Worcester, MA. Roland always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face when in the presence of his grandsons, Joshua and Zachary Letourneau and Krister and Karsten Sjoblad.
Roland grew up in Quinsigamond Village and was a graduate of South High School. He was a graduate of Worcester Boy’s Trade School and Worcester Junior College with an Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Roland was an Eagle Scout and had a life-long passion for serving others. He was an active member of Salem Covenant Church in Worcester MA. There Roland served in just about every capacity, including chairperson of the church. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Boylston and the Worcester County Shriners. He also served on the Board of Directors for All Faith’s Cemetery for over 20 years. Roland was employed at Bay State Abrasives for over 44 years. At his retirement party he shared with everyone that ‘it only took him four more years than Moses to get to the Promised Land.’
In his retirement, Roland traveled with his wife Julia, spent time with his children, grandchildren and friends and family. He enjoyed working on projects at home and he remained immersed in service at his church until his health began to fail within the past year.
There will be a Celebration of Life service at 11:00am on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at Salem Covenant Church, 215 Mountain Street East, Worcester MA. The Reverend Mark Nilson will officiate. The family will receive friends after the service in the church fellowship hall. There will be a private burial at All Faith’s Cemetery.
The family gratefully declines flowers, but prayers, condolences and memories are gladly accepted. Donations may be made in memory of Roland to Compassion International, 12290 Voyager Parkway Colorado Springs CO 80997 or Mohegan Council, BSA 19 Harvard St Worcester MA 01609-2870. Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St., Worcester MA 01605 is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online condolence message, please click link.