Kennebunk, Maine – Kennebunk, ME resident H. Conrad (John) Johnson, 89, died peacefully on Jan. 26, 2022 after a period of declining health.
John was born on Feb. 28th, 1932, in Framingham, MA, the eldest child of the late Swedish immigrants Hilding and Tekla Johnson. He was the first child born in the US from both sides of his family. John grew up on a farm in Northborough, MA, graduated from Northborough High School, and attended Clark University in Worcester. He raised his family in Northborough where he was an active member of Trinity Church.
John served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany where he was able to go to Sweden to visit his numerous relatives while on furloughs.
He worked many years in the footwear and apparel business for Thom McAn, Chess King, and the Frye Boot companies in NYC and the Worcester area. In pre-retirement, he and his wife Edna headed North to open a candy and gift shop, the Village Confectionery, in N. Conway, NH and Kennebunkport, ME.
Those who knew him will remember John’s decades-long love for square-dancing. Along with his wife, he was a very active member of the Nubble Lighthouse Keepers Square Dance Club in Wells, ME, where he served as past Club President.
John also avidly enjoyed gardening, golfing, reading, music and scripting his daily journal entries as well as sharing his “words of wisdom” during family gatherings. He and his wife Edna especially enjoyed living near the ocean and embraced the year-round lifestyle of coastal Maine.
John is survived by his wife of 38 years, Edna (Thompson) Johnson; four children, Linda C. Corbett and husband Patrick of Northborough, MA, Karen L. Johnson and partner Nancy Kelly of York, ME, Steven W. Johnson and partner Jacqui Coons of N. Hampton, NH, and James P. Johnson and wife Suzanne of Worcester, MA; and three step-daughters Terry A. Lynch of Williamsburg, VA, Patti L. Duprey and husband Dennis of Kennebunk, ME, JoAnn T. Gordon and husband David Hersh of Kennebunk, ME.
John also had 7 grandchildren that he adored: Jack, Kevin, Chelsea, Madison, Andrew, Jena, Christopher and great-grandson Tucker, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his parents, as well as his brother Phillip and sister Judy.
At his request, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Congregational Church of Wells, 1695 Post Rd., Wells, ME 04090.
Bibber Memorial Chapel of Maine assisted with arrangements.
