Reverend Father Harold J. Johnson, a Priest of the Archdiocese of Boston died Tuesday at the Regina Cleri Residence in Boston. He was 85.
Fr. Johnson was born in Westwood, the son of the late Arthur and the late Mary Helen (Flynn) Johnson. At the completion of his studies at Saint John Seminary he was ordained to the Priesthood by Archbishop Richard J. Cushing in 1949. After completing his first assignment at Sacred Heart Parish in Weymouth, Fr. John served in the home missions in North and South Carolina. Upon his return to Boston he served at St. Kevin in Dorchester and St. Joseph in Amesbury. He was then appointed Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in Jamaica Plain and later was the founding Pastor of St. Rose of Lima in Rochester. He spent the years before his retirement assisting at St. James in Medford. His love for scholarship, language and Scripture led him to earn graduate degrees in Religious and Biblical Studies at Providence College.
Fr. Johnson is survived by his sister Mary V. Marinera of Port Charlotte, Florida and many loving nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he is predeceased by his brothers Arthur, Robert and Walter.
A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Joseph Church in Boston’s West End, Monday, December 28th at 10 AM. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury.
In Lieu of Flowers, Father Johnson asked that friends and family have Masses offered in their own parishes for the repose of his soul.
Arrangements by the Dello Russo Family of Medford.
Requiescat in Pace.