Obituary of John O. Johnson

JOHN OTTO JOHNSON

July 8, 1923 – October 8, 2018

John O. Johnson was born on July 8, 1923 to the Reverend Lee Junius and Mary Harris Johnson.  He grew up in South Huntington with his four siblings who preceded him in death.  His sister, Margaret M. Bailey, brother, William Johnson, sister, Alice H. Ward, and youngest sister, Hester W. Moore.

He attended school in the South Huntington School District where he played on the football team and ran track.  He left school when he was in the 10^th grade to work and assist his parents financially.  He worked on potato farms and with the help of his sister, Margaret’s recipes, he got a position at the Veterans Administration preparing meals for the doctors.

In 1939, he met the love of his life, Elnora Payne of Woodbury.  Following four years of courtship, the couple was married on August 3, 1943.  This union produced 3 children: Jeffery Lee Johnson (deceased), Pauline Joan Johnson, and Ronald Otto Johnson.  The year he was married, John enlisted in the Army.  He served in the Asiatic Pacific during World War II, rising to the rank of sergeant.  After three years of service John was honorably discharged, receiving four meritorious medals: the Good Conduct Medal, American Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Bronze Star.

John had many interests.  He loved to draw, and he enjoyed photographing family members and friends.  Perhaps most of all, he loved fishing and gardening.  He belonged to many clubs and organizations.  He was a member of the Porco’s Rod and Gun Club.  He was President of his local Civic Association, and he served as Grand Master of the David W. Parker #72 Masonic Lodge.  He was also a member of the American Legion Lodge H1244 of Greenlawn.

One of many memorable occasions in his life is when he and his wife Ellie attended the Dedication Celebration of the National World War II Memorial in May 2004.  His niece, Brenda, and his nephew, Steven, met them in Washington, D.C., where they were also joined by his great niece, Alice and her soon to be husband, Lorenzo.  They attended the dedication ceremony on the National Mall, and were greeted by Senator Dole at the National World War II Memorial Recognition Reception held at the National Convention Center.  The following day, John attended a service of celebration and thanksgiving at the National Cathedral.  In honor of his military service in World War II, John O. Johnson’s bio-sketch and photograph were entered into the World War II Registry of Remembrances (7007221) where it will be kept in perpetuity for future generations to see.

In more recent years, John’s nephew, J. Stewart Moore, Esquire, was instrumental in him joining the African American Historical Society.  In October of 2016, in celebration of their Tenth Anniversary, John was one of the distinguished honorees receiving an award for lifetime achievement.

John O. Johnson worked many places:  on a potato farm as a boy, at the Veterans Administration as a teenager, he worked as foreman of Gilbert’s Nursery, and later as Head of the Maintenance Department at Pine Hollow Country Club, and later at Mill River Club until retiring in 1986.  He loved and enjoyed his family. Earlier this year (August 2018), John and Ellie’s family members and friends gathered at their home to celebrate their 75^th wedding anniversary.  After a long illness, John departed this life on October 8, 2018, at Northport Veterans Administration Center (CLC2).     

John leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Elnora M. Johnson; his brother-in-law, William A. Payne; daughter, Pauline J. Johnson; son, Ronald O. Johnson; grandchildren: Katina TR Gadson, Jeffery L. Johnson, Jamal N. Flythe (Merida), Jayme S. Flythe (Melissa), Ronald O. Johnson, Jr., TeAsia C. Powers (Brendan), Isiah Ali Fitzgerald-Johnson; ten great grandchildren; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 19^th, at Mount Calvary Holy Church, 1520 New York Avenue, Huntington, N.Y. 11746.  Public viewing will be from 9:30-10:45 AM, followed by a Home Going Celebration at 11:00 AM.  Burial will follow service at Calverton National Cemetery, Riverhead, NY, followed by a repast at Mount Calvary Holy Church.