Mr. Donald Edward Johnson, a sixteen year resident of Malden, formerly of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, died at his home on Saturday, May 3, 2008, following a lengthy illness. He was 58 years old.
Born in Clevland, Ohio on August 22, 1949, he was the beloved son of the late Vernon Dale and Margaret (Batchelor) Johnson. Donald was the much adored sweetheart and husband of Charlene L. (Parris) Johnson of Malden. He was raised in Chagrin Falls, Ohio and was a graduate of Ohio University, class of 1971. Mr. Johnson worked for more than 30 years, as an editor and publisher, for Musical Merchandise Review (MMR) a magazine for the music industry. He was an unofficial "voice of the industry" in Needham. He was an avid sports fan and especially liked to root for the Cleveland Browns. He was also an avid reader of Mysteries and Biographies and loved to listen to Jazz music. Don was also a gifted artist using pen and ink. Don was a world traveler for both business and pleasure but preferred just being home ejoying his wife and daughters.
Besides his much adored sweetheart, Charlene, he will be very sorely missed by his two angels; Hilary M. and Rosamund F. Johnson both of Malden, devoted siblings; Ellen M. Johnson and her husband Terry Shor of Chicago, IL and James D. Johnson of Louisville, KY., brothers and sisters-in-law; Andrew and Tracie Larsen of Malden, Jennifer and Andreas Burkhart and Diane and Philip Roney all of Atlanta, GA, nieces and nephews; Takara and Alexandra Larsen and Kendall Roney and Aiden Burkhart and his long time friend of Jeffery Rigby of N.Y.
His funeral service was celebrated in the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 29 Governors Avenue, Medford Wednesday evening at 8 PM. Many relatives and friends respectfully attended. Visiting hours were Wednesday, prior to the service, from 4 to 8 PM. Interment was private. Donations in Donald’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701. For additional information, please visit www.magliozzifuneralhome.com.