John F. Johnson, 81 years old passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, with the loving support of his wife and family sharing his passing with him. John was always recognized for his great smile and pleasant demeanor. Born in Holyoke to Francis and Edwidge Johnson, he was raised by his maternal grandparents, Mary and Peter Charland, following the death of his mother, two months after he was born. John attended Holy Rosary grammar and high school and was a stellar athlete, playing both football and baseball. He later played semi-pro football for the Holyoke Knights. For his ability on the football field, he was recognized by Holyoke Catholic and inducted into the Holyoke Catholic Athletic Hall of Fame on June 10, 2010. John joined the Army National Guard in1961 and was honorably discharged in March, 1967. Professionally, John followed in both his father and grandfather's footsteps and became a master stone mason and brick layer. He began his career with Daniel O'Connell and Sons. His workmanship can be easily recognized in several areas of South Hadley as well as the Library at the University of Massachusetts, the Mercy Hospital and sections of BayState Medical Center to name a few. Fifty eight years ago, John married his high school sweetheart, Peg Crimmins and together they built their home in South Hadley and raised two wonderful sons who both worked with their dad in his business: "Johnson and Sons Mason Contractor". John finished the last professional years of his career working as the Construction Manager for O'Connell Oil/Convenience Plus. Besides his wife of 58 years, he leaves his son John and his wife Karen of Easthampton along with their blended family of five daughters and two grandchildren along with his two treasured granddaughters, Taylor and Katie Johnson. Also, his youngest son Matthew and his wife Amy from Granby Massachusetts. He also leaves a foster son Bruce Borden from Queens, NY. He leaves his sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Norman Couture and his youngest brother Joseph, all from Springfield. He was pre-deceased by his brother Thomas, earlier this year. In addition to his immediate family, John leaves behind his treasured friends and care-takers, Toby and Maureen Daly as well as Brady Holt, Anne Hold-Perez, Rusty and Cheryl Hastings. For many years, John volunteered as a coach for youth football and baseball and his love of sports never diminished. His favorite teams, always Notre Dame, the Patriots and of course, the Boston Red Sox. John was an active member of St. Patrick's Parish, serving on the Parish Council, as a Eucharistic Minister and for many years, as co-chair of the parish picnics. He was also a member of the Cursillo Community of the Springfield Diocese and 4TH degree member of the Knights of Columbus. The entire Johnson family is especially grateful to the caring staff at Renaissance Manor on Cabot St (Genesis House) as well as the hospice team from the Holyoke VNA. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to: the Holyoke VNA, 575 Beech St, Holyoke MA, 01040, the scholarship fund at Pope Francis Preparatory School, 99 Wendover Rd, Springfield MA 01118, or the Johnson scholarship fund at MCPHS University, 179 Longwood Ave. Boston MA 02115.
Calling hours at Curran-O'Brien Funeral Home are Sunday October 27th from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial from St. Patrick's Church, 30 Main St, South Hadley, at 10:00 am on Monday, with burial immediately following at Notre Dame Cemetery. For more information please go to curranobrien.com.