Shrewsbury – I. Howard Johnson, of Shrewsbury, died Wednesday, June 27, 2012 in The Blaire House in Worcester. He was 94.
Irving Howard Johnson, lovingly known to family and friends as “Howie,” was born April 22, 1918 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Howie was raised in Worcester and graduated of North High School and Becker College. On November 25, 1939 in All Saints Episcopal Church in Worcester he married Barbara E. Henderson, his wife of nearly 73 years.
His professional career began at Johnson Steel & Wire Co. in Worcester, where he worked for over 35 years, served on its Board of Directors for the Jonsteel Credit Union and retired as plant manager in 1977. He also owned and operated Johnson Chemical Company. When it later became New England Pest Control Company he continued to work with them for over 10 years as regional manager.
Howie's life was a true example that old-fashioned hard work and honesty will be rewarded with great pride and respect. His love of music was something that gave him great pleasure and he enjoyed playing the organ at many local events. He took great pride in writing his own music and playing multiple instruments. His small farm grew over time and was nurtured with his love and passion for any and all animals.
Howie's most valued legacy is that family is the most important of all and that family should make the most of the time spent together. Sundays will never be the same without him.
In addition to his wife, Barbara, he leaves his children, Gail E. (Johnson) St. Pierre and Carole B. (Johnson) Bowles and her husband, John, all of Shrewsbury, and Dr. Robert J. Johnson D.V.M. and his wife, Denise, of Stowe, Vermont; his grandchildren, Paula Raymond and her husband, Michael, of Pomphret Center, Connecticut, Jeffrey St. Pierre, Wendy Hodgerney and her husband, David, Christine Kearns and her husband, Joseph, Michael Bowles and his wife, Michele, all of Shrewsbury, Maj. Brett Johnson and his wife, Kelly, of Tyngsboro, Bri Johnson of Providence and Hansen Johnson of Stowe, Vermont; his great-grandchildren, Caitlyn, Justin, Owen, Erin, Anna, Nikki, Meghan and Norah; and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son-in-law, Paul St. Pierre, great-grandson, Michael Hodgerney and brother, Lawrence H. Johnson.
Funeral services were private. Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors in Shrewsbury assisted the family.
Memorials in his name may be made to charity of one's choice.
