Shrewsbury – Gerald A. “Jerry” Johnson, 81, of Shrewsbury, formerly of Natick died peacefully at home on Tuesday November 30, 2021. He was the beloved husband of Judith (Dill) Johnson to whom he was wed to on June 8th, 1963. They celebrated more than 58 years of marriage.
Born in Natick on December 2, 1939, he was the son of the late Edward A. Johnson, Sr. and Mary G. (Cook) Johnson. He grew up in Natick then moved to Sherborn while still in school. He went to St. Patrick’s Catholic school before going to Natick High School. He graduated from Natick High School in 1958. He proudly served in the Army National Guard for his 3 years enlistment as a Private E-2, Marksman qualified.
He became a truckdriver for his father’s trucking company, Howes Express in Natick, doing the mail run while in high school. This led into Jerry driving full time for the family business. After 1965, he became a Union driver for Teamsters Locals 25 and 170. He drove for a variety of companies that included Red Star Express, TransCon, Yellow, CEX, Airborne and DHL. After his retirement, he continued to drive for Knights as a shuttle, bus and limo driver.
He loved spending time with family and getting calls from his grandchildren. He was an avid member of Teamsters Local #170 in Worcester, and was the President of the Teamsters Retiree’s Chapter Board. He was always trying to find places for the membership to go for entertainment, holiday parties, shows at the local Hanover Theater, and holding Toys for Tots donations at our Christmas parties to be sent to the local branch of State Police to be handed to children in need. He faithfully dressed up as Santa Claus for over 50 years for the neighborhood children and friend parties. He played the role so well, his own children did not know it was their dad until they were 11 years old. He always felt the needs of other people during his lifetime, and doing whatever he could to relieve their stress by always ready to chip in to help. He always loved his friends and neighbors, who worked together as a team to help each other.
In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his children Colleen (Johnson) Boucher of Shrewsbury, and William Johnson and his wife Christina Hieber of McLean, VA. Also survived by 6 grandchildren and 5 Great-grandchildren and 1 more on the way. Jerry was the last survivor of 5 children.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours at the Chiampa Funeral Home, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury on Monday, December 6, 2021 from 4-7 P.M. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Interment will follow in the Spring at the convenience of the family. In keeping with the Covid-19 guidelines, all attendees are kindly asked to wear face coverings and practice social distancing while at the funeral home and church.
In lieu of flowers, Jerry’s family has requested that donations in his memory may be made to the Teamsters Union Local #170 College Scholarship fund, ATTN Sean Foley, 330 Southwest Cutoff, Worcester, MA 01604.
Please keep Jerry in your prayers, as we have lost a wonderful man. We know God will be his best friend.
