Book of Memories for Edward B. Johnson

Memorial Candle lit by

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:00:53 EST

Linda Juliano Morris

Memorial Candle lit by

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 16:48:53 EDT

Eileen Devine

Memorial Candle lit by

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:51:19 EDT

your loving daughter, Shelley

Story shared: Eulogy for my father

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:49:40 EDT

I consider it an honor to be here today to speak about my father, Edward Bernard Johnson Jr. He was our father, Father in law, big brother, uncle, friend, grandfather and great grandfather. My brother Mick sent me a text shortly after my Dad died. It simply said: he taught me desire, passion, loyalty and competition and I wish he could throw me one more pass. A few minutes passed and I received another text. It said “I loved it when he called me “son.” It reminded me of one of my most vivid memories of my Dad. I was maybe 10 years old and playing Little league baseball. I was on base and I must have walked or was hit by a pitch because I never got a hit. The game was tied and it was the bottom of the last inning. I could always feel the presence of my dad there in the stands and hear him telling me... 'keep an eye on the ball' and 'swing hard.' He was here that evening and was happy that I walked and stole a base. There I was on 2nd, the winning run if I got home. That's a lot of pressure when Ed Johnson is your Dad. The batter was Duke Snodgrass, probably one of the best athletes in the history of Southampton sports. A hit was a sure thing and it was then going to be up to me to score the winning run. I prayed I wouldn't let my Dad down. Duke of course lined a hit and I ran to third and got the wave to go home.. As I rounded third, the only thing I could see or hear was my Dad. He was waving his arms for me to come home and run hard, which I did. I saw him give me the 'slide' sign and I closed my eyes and performed the greatest slide in the history of Little league and scored the winning run. My teammates grabbed me and lifted me on their shoulders but all I cared about was how happy my Dad was. It is one of my most cherished memories. That night was just like any other night. He didn't tell me how great I played and we didn't have a celebration. But when I went to bed he said the words that he said to me whenever I made him proud... “Atta boy son.” I know I will never hear those words again. My dad was born in 1921 and grew up during the great depression. He was the oldest of 11 brothers and sisters and he was no doubt the leader of the family. His nicknames were Buddy, Johnse and punk. He led by example. My Uncle George, dads youngest brother and my dear Godfather, told me dad was a model student and a role model for him. Dad went to LaSalle College High school; his beloved Alma Mater, where he received 'gold cards' all four years. A gold card goes to a student who gets all A's in every subject. He also lettered in just about every sport LaSalle had to offer and it was there that he found his lifelong love of tennis. After high school, he and his dad talked about going to med school because of his good grades but the war broke out and Uncle George says dad was the first in line to sign up. Dad joined the Coast Guard and was sent to the caribbean to hunt for submarines. When he was away his mom would cry every time she heard the song 'My Buddy' on the radio. My Mom and dad met in high school and went to the prom together. When he retuned from the service he and mom re-connected and eventually got married at the age of 28. It was a couple of years before Skip was born and they eventually had 7 children over a 10 year span. Dad became a milkman for Sealtest and went to school at night to get his college degree. Of course he chose LaSalle College. He would sleep in the afternoons, get up for dinner and go to school in the evenings and then right to work delivering milk at 3 AM. Dad had an incredible work ethic and a drive to get ahead and make a decent living for his family. When Sealtest decided to expand and open a branch in Warminster, dad got the job he deserved. He never forgot where he came from though and got up in the early hours of the morning when it was bitter cold so he could put chains on the tires and start the trucks for his men. On weekends he would take us up to the plant and he would let us pick out any kind of ice cream we wanted from the freezer. We Loved it! When the plant finally shut down he went to Rueban Donnelly and started a whole new career in mid-life. Not an easy task for anyone. But he overcame his inexperience with hard work and quickly became the salesman of the month and salesman of the year time and time again. Getting to know people was 2nd nature to dad and that's what made him a great salesman. He made it a point to get to know something about you and would remember it and mention it the next time he saw you. He was an outstanding listener. Everyone knows my dad is... let's just say 'Thrifty.' He would always talk about the depression and tell us how lucky we were to 'Have it made' like we did. I don't believe he ever bought a new car for himself. We always had a used lawnmower from O'Briens Hardware which he picked up for 10 bucks.. He wore over-the-counter reading glasses until the day he died. I never saw a color TV until I moved out of the house when I was 20. He never splurged on himself. One of our favorite memories is Christmas tree shopping which you have already heard about by now. He would take Shelley out every year and they would begin their hunt for the cheapest tree. They went from place to place inspecting trees from top to bottom, then placing one 'on hold.' There were trees on hold all over town. They would then go back to wherever the cheapest tree was and buy it. Whenever he asked how much I paid for my tree I would exaggerate by many dollars just to hear him gasp! My dad would always include a trip to the cemetery after the tree was bought. He brought bows and hangers from the closet at home and cut the branches from the bottom of the trees to make wreaths to put on his parents graves. It was very important to him. As thrifty as he was, he gave generously to his favorite catholic charities. As I went though his paperwork at home I saw he made regular contributions to help the needy and the poor. He gave to his church, the Franciscan Friars, Salesium Missionaries, Columbian Fathers, the Passionist Monastary, Priests of the Sacred Heart, Society of the Little Flower, Boys Town, the Shrine of St. Jude, Marianist Missions, Our Lady of Lourdes and more. Dad was a fierce competitor and it showed when he took the job of coaching my sisters when they played softball for Kenny's bar. As Peggy told me the other night... 'WE STUNK' but Daddy practically willed them to win. He loyally played my sisters even if it meant better players had to sit on the bench. He led that team, with pure heart and desire, to the championship of the entire league. Mickey was the sports star of the family and Dad was there for every game, even every practice. Our favorite thing to do as young kids was to be out back with my dad and have him throw us the football. Mickey would be in his uniform and shoulder pads. Pop would always huddle up with us but it would always be the same play: “Go down field, fake 4-5 different ways and I'll hit you on the run.” We all know Pop had a funny side with some extraordinary ways to make us laugh. A favorite of all of ours was “Hats”. My dad would coax us to bed by promising to do hats. He would go in Mom's closet and choose a hat and become a character, often someone from the neighborhood. It wasn't just funny. It was roll on the floor hilarity. My mom couldn't hide her laughter, even when she was mad at him. I remember during our high school years. We certainly didn't see eye to eye then. I guess like most at that age. We were getting into the coolest music of our times and he had no interest. We all went to concerts frequently and we all what his last words were going to be when we left the house... “You couldn't PAY me to see that junk!” When I became an adult my relationship with my dad grew. Especially after I got sick. I was in the hospital over 150 days in a 4 year span. I'm pretty sure he came to see me every single day except when I went to Cleveland twice for surgery and he paid for my family to come out there with me. I really enjoyed the talks we had or sometimes we didn't talk at all. He was just, there, And he worried so much about me. He was so proud of all his kids. Mari-jane was the baby and she could do no wrong. Dad would carry her to bed each night. If he fell asleep early, one of us boys would take his place. My brother Skip is about the only person I know who works as hard as my dad and he was so proud of his career which took him all over the world. Dad was thrilled when he went to Wimbledon some years ago and was able to meet Skip there and spend some time with him. He developed a passion for gardening a few years ago and it flourished for many years. When Pop got too sick to care for it, Peggy lovingly helped to keep it alive and I think she will probably keep the “garding” growing. I cannot talk about Pop without talking about his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. For the last 39 years he has been known to all as 'Pop pop'. His grandchildren and great grandchildren loved him dearly and he loved them right back, without exception and unconditionally. Pop had a name for each one: Dinner-ready Joseppi Owie Michelle from Hatbyuwo Kwistin Mawy Coley Mickey Grandanetti or Dishmatervant KeVIN Mia Mya oh Mia or Miam LaLa Thats a my Leesie KaTIE Beta Boody Seany Ona Delawer Michael Vincent junior johnyer Megana Mowa Shana Dewayne and Alex McFalex He made each and every one feel that they were his one and only grandchild He would ask them the same math questions over and over again. Pop Pop was an innovator; he invented the 'drunk dial' , the '4 o'clock call; when he was feeling no pain and would call everybody and ask what they're doing. He wouldn't let you off the phone so the kids would just keep passing it off to one another. He showed them all how to get the best bargains and took the grand-kids to Lancers Diner for lunch to get the 'Special' before 11 am. Pop would go to Peggy's house every Saturday morning and bring donuts and just watch the Maher family happen around him as he sat at the table. I know the family cherishes that time. He showed confidence in the kids and came to the dance recitals, sat in a special place in the front row and shouted, “gone off” and “that's my Leesie” or “Megan” or “Lala” or “Katie” or whoever.... He was there when Joey, Mickey, Seany, Michael, Bill Bill or Alex played football and freely gave advice on how he would have run the ball or caught a pass. When he grew weak and was unable to drive, the kids came to him, Leesie was Pop's “personal nurse” and became his greatest medical adviser after 1 week of nursing school. Pop Pop has 2 great grandchildren on the way and although they will not get to meet him, they will hear about him and will be using his phrases and words as soon as they learn to talk. The grandchildren and great grandchildren are all so lucky to have had Pop Pop in their lives. They loved him with all their hearts, and will remember him always. Dad was a fighter and stayed with us almost 90 years. It is impossible to speak about dad without speaking of our incredible mom, the one and only 'Gram.' Mom, you were there through thick and thin (and there was plenty of thin). When dad got sick, mom was his rock. He never would have lived this long without her. Mom, you took good care of dad, staying day after day in the hospital until after dark, knowing that he didn't want to be alone. You cooked and cleaned for him, made sure he took his medication and that he had the best of health care. When you didn't think a visiting nurse was giving him the best of care you got him another one. You stood by him even when he was grouchy, which was many times. It was nice in the final days when we got a glimpse of what life must have been like in the early days. Dad and mom were calling each other “hon” and “honey” and they were gentle and caring with each other. In his hospital room, Dad even looked over at mom and said, “Look at her, she looks like a young girl, sitting on her chair on the beach in Florida getting some sun”. Mom came right back and said, “Now that's a change!” Last month was the toughest for dad, but he was a fighter. Several times, the doctors prepared us for the worst and they did not expect him to make it. But he held on and fought. After a few weeks, they stopped forecasting his outcome, calling him “unpredictable”. A competitor to the end. He outlived his entire high school class. I often wondered why he fought so hard. He hated all of the medical stuff: the needles, poking, testing, and medications. He was tired but kept fighting. I think I finally figured it out: he wanted to die on his own terms. Not in an ambulance. Not from a fall. Not with a respirator or some other machine keeping him alive. In hospice, dad was finally able to decide that his time here was near. For the first time in years when people asked how he was doing, he would say, “I'm fine” “No complaints”. He had no pain. He was finally ready. What more can a man ask, then to be surrounded by a loving family? Dad's room was the very last one of 12 in the hospice. As I walked the halls each day, I would see most patients alone in their rooms. Some had a visitor or two. Dad's room was packed every day. Children playing, people laughing and our incredible family doing what is does best: being there for each other. The morning before his death, Father Pavalko came to hear his last confession and to anoint him. He asked daddy, “ What are you thinking?” And dad said, “I think I'm dying” and then he softly whispered, “I'm ready”. In the end, it was how he would have wanted it. His beloved sons on each side of him, holding him in their arms, and his devoted wife comforting him at his side as he took his last breath. So there it is, dad. My final tribute to you. I hope I did you justice. I tried to take good care of you. I tried to help you make the best decisions for your health and I tried to be there for you whenever you needed me. I helped you to keep fighting when you wanted to fight and I was there for you when you wanted to rest. I keep asking myself, “Did I do a good job for you?” I think I did and I know what you would say... “Atta boy son.” Goodnight now daddy, God bless you. I love you. --- Written with respect, pride and love by your son, William John Johnson

Condolence From Chris Sidorchuck-Clee

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:52:16 EDT

My thoughts and prayers our with you at this time. Always a big loving family. Many great memories of spending time at the Johnson house.

Memorial Candle lit by

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 20:48:15 EDT

'Mia' Stearne Steen

Memorial Candle lit by

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 20:15:43 EDT

Michael, Suzie, Mike, Ben and Jessa,

Memorial Candle lit by

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:22:20 EDT

Marty

Condolence From Your Dinnerready

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:37:59 EDT

Thank you for always making me laugh and for loving me, AJ, and our kids the way you did...making everyone feel so special! I love you more than you'll eevverrr knooww! Can't wait to hear "uh" when I see you again in heaven!

Memorial Candle lit by

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:42:26 EDT

Kerrie

Memorial Candle lit by

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:50:52 EDT

Your loving Son Mickey

Memorial Candle lit by

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:46:56 EDT

The Vesci Family

Memorial Candle lit by

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:05:59 EDT

Christine Johnson-Hall

Memorial Candle lit by

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 23:41:59 EDT

John Stearne

Memorial Candle lit by

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:27:35 EDT

Doug and Angelina Fones

Condolence From Dr. Donna Ott and Dr. Rosemary Harris and staff at Drexel Family Medicine

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 21:19:10 EDT

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Johnson family. Ed was a wonderful man, spirited and always the consummate gentleman. He will be sorely missed by all of us at Drexel. He was blessed to have such a warm and loving family. OUr condolences to all of you.

Condolence From Dave Gregorio

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:35:51 EDT

A good man. Please accept my condolences. May he find the peace he deserves.

Story shared: My wedding

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:58:16 EDT

PopPop wasn't sure how he'd be feeling on my wedding day but I insisted he get a tux and plan to come to not only the wedding but the reception as well. I told him they were giving us the tux for free- the only way I could coax him into it! He looked very handsome :) At the reception, one of the planned songs was Melody of Love, which they announced and a bunch of the grandchildren held hands in a circle with Pop and sang and danced. A moment I will never forget :)

Condolence From Rich Kennedy

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:05:30 EDT

My deepest sympathies to all of you. I never had the pleasure of meeting Edward, but from everything Bill has told be he will be sadly missed. Thoughts and prayers with all of you.

Memorial Candle lit by

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:00:29 EDT

Edward J. Fones and Family

Memorial Candle lit by

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:19:12 EDT

Nicole

Memorial Candle lit by

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:08:38 EDT

The Jusczak Family

Photo shared: Maher girls and Pop

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:42:46 EDT

Photo shared: My wedding

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:41:39 EDT

Memorial Candle lit by

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:40:32 EDT

your Kelli

Memorial Candle lit by

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:26:54 EDT

Your loving son, Billy

Memorial Candle lit by

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 21:13:25 EDT

kristen mary

Condolence From Kara Beck

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:17:42 EDT

Thoughts and prayers to a wonderful family during this difficult time. Love to all!

Photo shared: Johnson,_E..jpg

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:02:44 EDT

Photo shared: Johnson,_E._5.jpg

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:02:43 EDT

Photo shared: Johnson,_E._4.jpg

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:02:42 EDT

Photo shared: Johnson,_E._3.jpg

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:02:40 EDT

Photo shared: Johnson,_E._2.jpg

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:02:39 EDT

Condolence From Maureen Dwyer Selvage

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:40:08 EDT

My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family as you honor your father's memory and the times that you spent together.

Photo shared: Johnson,_E_6.JPG

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 14:36:15 EDT