Andrew “Andy” G. Johnson, Sr., 89, of South Road, died on Thursday, September 13, 2012, at U-Mass Memorial Healthcare in Worcester. Born in Holden, Andy was the son of Edwin and Elvira (Nelson) Johnson and lived there all of his life.
Andy graduated from Holden High School in 1940 and worked at his family’s plumbing business, Edwin H. Johnson & Sons, for many years. He later worked at both Holt Coal Company and Holden Heating Company. He proudly served his country during World War II as a Tech Sergeant with the United States Army’s 107th Engineers, Special Service Battalion, in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre including Burma and India. He was a volunteer fire fighter for the town of Holden, and also volunteered with the Boy Scouts while his sons were members.
He loved people, especially his grand and great grandchildren. He enjoyed music and dancing and was particularly good at making people laugh. Andy will be fondly remembered for his quick wit and cleverly embellished stories which we will always treasure.
He is survived by and will be lovingly missed by his wife of 64 years, Ruth V. (Pitman) Johnso; his children, Andrew G. Johnson, Jr. and his wife Kathy of Barre, James E. Johnson and his wife Diane of Walpole, NH, and Donna R. Eckert and her husband Tom of Morrisville, VT; his grandchildren, Jennifer Johnson Lipke, Erik Johnson, Lauren Johnson Smith, Sarah Johnson, Sam and Allison Eckert; his great grandchildren, Gillian and Aiden Frazier, Cameron and Mackenna Johnson and Lucas Gustaf Lipke; his siblings, Lillian Erickson of Falmouth, Mae Burgoyne of Michigan, Elden Johnson of Florida, Robert Johnson of Plymouth, Philip Johnson of Ilion, NY, Nancy O’Connor of Holden, and Janice Johnson of Falmouth; and many beloved nephews and nieces. Besides his parents he is predeceased by a daughter, Glenna J. Johnson; two brothers, Edwin and Ralph Johnson; a sister, Anne Leonard and two lifelong friends, Walter Koenig and Eino Maki.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 27, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A memorial service celebrating Andy’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 28, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Fall Mountain Special Olympics, 24 Hammond Acres, Charlestown, NH 03603.
