Bernard C. Johnson, age 81, died at home surrounded by his family and friends Tuesday after a brief illness.
Born in Pennsylvania, his family moved to Mystic in the late 1920’s where he was a lifetime resident. He graduated from Fitch High School and served in the US Coast Guard during World War II, stationed aboard the USS Allentown.
He married Gladys Martin Johnson in Philadelphia in 1944. She died in 1975.
After returning from the war he worked for Standard Machinery Co. in Mystic for 16 years. In 1958 he began a new career at Pfizer Inc. in Groton as Chemical Engineer where he worked for 26 years. Upon retiring, he worked for Chelsea Groton Bank retiring after 5 years.
He enjoyed gardening, bird watching, travelling and in his early years enjoyed clamming, crabbing and fishing in and around the Mystic area. He will be missed dearly by his family and many friends.
He is survived by his 2 daughters and their husbands, Laureen and William Ambot of Lisbon, Mary Elizabeth and Paul Danner of Nort Carolina, 3 grandschildren, Temple and Clint Danner of NC, Jennifer Ambot of Griswold and a great-grandaughter, Jade Amanda Dannerof NC; a sister, Jane Johnson Clark of Groton, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his longtime friend and companion, Kate Sudyam and her family of Gales Ferry.
The family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, historic downtown Mystic on Sunday from 5-8pm. His Service will be conducted at the funeral home on Monday at 11am. Burial with military honors will be in Elm Grove Cemetery.
Donations may be made to Hospice of SECT, PO Box 902, Uncasville CT 06382.