Walter J. Johnson, 93, beloved husband of Carolyn (Clough) Johnson, passed away on May 31, 2021. He was born in Milford, Mass., the son of the late John and Rose (Shumski) Johnson. He was predeceased by his siblings: Joseph, Peter, Anthony, Vincent, Edward, Mary Macchi, Sophie Deletti, and Helen Bardzic. Also predeceasing him was his 7-year-old son, Randall Walter Johnson.
Walter moved to Medway during World War II, where he starred in baseball and football. “Wally” graduated from Medway High School with the Class of 1945. He enlisted with the U.S. Navy shortly after graduation and soon found himself on the USS Chicaskia, an oiler that serviced ships in the Pacific. He was honorably discharged a year later.
After returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn, a marriage that lasted for 72 years. Also surviving are a daughter, Kristen Kirby, of Medway, sons David and Steven, both of Falmouth, and their respective wives, Kathy and Kelly. He leaves five grandchildren: Brendan Kirby, Melissa (Kirby) Healy, Ryan Johnson, Alexa Johnson, and Victoria “Tori” Johnson.
He worked for Dyer Construction in Framingham while working on a B.S. Degree in Education from Fitchburg State College. He taught Industrial Arts at Medway High School and later taught House Carpentry at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School.
Walter loved and served Medway in several capacities. While teaching at the vocational school, he was the town’s part-time Building Inspector. In addition, he was elected to terms on Medway’s Board of Health, the Planning Board, the Housing Authority, as well as the Board of Selectmen.
Walter was involved with The Odd Fellows organization, of which he became the Grand Master of Massachusetts in 1997. He was a member of the Medway Community Church, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Overall, he was a sociable person who loved talking to anyone who would engage in a conversation with him.
Camping, fishing, trips to Cape Cod, and watching Boston sports teams on TV were among Walter’s favorite pastimes. In earlier years, he enjoyed working with children, volunteering time with the Boy Scouts and proudly coaching a Little League team, the Red Sox. He was a loving father, who was strict when he needed to be, but otherwise was fair and available whenever possible.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service at the Medway Community Church, 196 Main Street in Medway on Monday, June 7 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Medway.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2 – 5 p.m. in the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber St. in Medway (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com).
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Walter’s memory to the Jimmy Fund; make checks payable to: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 www.jimmyfund.org/gift