Kevin Richard Johnson, 22, of Franklin died unexpectedly on Monday, October 9, 2023, of complications from diabetes.
Born in Newton on September 20, 2001, he was the beloved son of Arthur Johnson of Franklin and Janice (Moran) Johnson of Lincoln, Rhode Island.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother Christopher Johnson and his fiancé Jillian Lemire. He is also survived by his grandmother Mary (Finn) Moran of Walpole and Naples, Florida, and his many aunts and uncles: Donna Johnson, Richard Johnson, Bernadine and Dave Angelo, Mary Christine Piana, Kelly Moran, and Robert Moran.
Kevin was treasured by his family and is also survived by many cousins.
Kevin was a lifelong resident of Franklin and graduated from Franklin High School in 2020. He was currently a senior at Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire finishing up his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship.
Kevin was an old soul, wise way beyond his years. Kevin was the kindest, most gentle soul to have ever been born. There wasn’t an ounce of hatred, negativity, jealousy, or spite in him. Kevin always made sure everyone else was doing well, even if he wasn’t. Kevin never judged someone for who they were, he loved everyone he met instinctively. Kevin was a pure soul. A perfect human. The best son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin anyone could have ever asked for.
Kevin was a lifelong artist who loved painters like Bob Ross and Claude Monet. His love for art led to his love for architecture. Kevin loved going to Newport, RI to tour the mansions built during the Gilded Age. Walking into Kevin’s bedroom, there was a 100% chance you would find a stencil drawn blueprint of either Kevin’s dream mansion, or maybe his version of the Royal Palace, or the White House. Kevin’s imagination of what was possible was truly inspiring.
Kevin had proudly earned his brown belt in karate and was working towards his black belt. He enjoyed reading Agatha Christie’s mystery novels. He also loved the Beatles, and especially John Lennon. If you checked Kevin’s Spotify history, or his recent YouTube searches, you would surely find The Beatles, along with the individual works of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. But his music taste didn’t end there, Kevin also loved Kiss, Buddy Holly, Led Zepplin, The Who, and AC/DC.
Kevin was an avid history buff. From a young age, Kevin was fascinated by the Titanic. So much so that if you happened to drive by Squire St. during the second week of April, you might notice a Titanic replica protruding out of the side of house #18, with a rowboat close by. The annual Titanic party was Kevin’s gift to the neighborhood. But Kevin’s knowledge of history didn’t end with the Titanic, he was fluent on various topics including President Kennedy, President Reagan, and The Royal Linage. And don’t forget the U.S. Naval fleet. Kevin could tell you which ships were active, which were being decommissioned, which were being commissioned, his knowledge was endless.
Kevin also developed a devout faith in Christianity. As a self-taught Christian, Kevin read the King James Bible from front to back. Kevin said the Lord’s Prayer nightly, adding in prayers for each of his family members. Kevin was very sincere in his faith; it was important to him. It gave Kevin peace knowing God was always by his side, aiding him along life’s journey.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service on Friday, October 20 at St. Mary’s Church in Franklin at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at the Charles Sumner Bird Memorial Cemetery (formerly East Walpole Cemetery). You can watch a live stream of Kevin's funeral service by visiting: stmarysfranklin.org
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 19 from 4 – 8 p.m. in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main St. (ginleyfuneralhomes.com).
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Kevin’s memory to:
Beth Israel Lahey Health
Joslin Diabetes Center
Office of Philanthropy
529 Main Street, 4th Floor
Charlestown, MA 02129
You can also make a gift online .