Gerald E. Johnson
Bethany - Gerald E. Johnson, 69, of 611 Carrington Road died Sunday, March 5 in his home following a lengthy illness with his loving family by his bedside. He was the husband of Barbara Clout Johnson. Mr. Johnson was born in New Haven on Feb. 11, 1937, a son of the late William and Kathryn Peters Johnson. He was a graduate of the Ward School of Electronics and worked as a Technical Specialist for Yale University for forty years until his retirement in 2000. He was a member of the Yale Pistol Club, restored Antique Edison Phonographs, enjoyed Beekeeping and belonged to the Pioneer Valley Live Steam Club where he served on the Board of Directors for thirteen years and as President for the past two years. Besides his wife, he is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Garrett and Veronica Johnson of Morris, CT, a sister, Sandra Shiflett of Kent, CT, and a brother, William Johnson of Wall, NJ. He was predeceased by a son Robert Johnson. A Memorial Service will be held Sat., March 11 at 11 a.m. at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Burial at Beaverdale Memorial Park will be at the convenience of the family. Friends may call at the funeral home Saturday from 10:15 to 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405 or to the Pioneer Valley Live Steam Club, P.O. Box 105, Southwick, MA. 01077.
Dear Barbara, Garrett and Veronica: Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Always keep your memories of Gerry in you heart. Take care of each other.
Dear Barbara, I’m so sad about Gerrys’ passing away. He was special to me in many ways. My one true mentor over the past 15 years here at Yale. Gerrys down to earth view of life helped me weather trying times as well as his deadpan humor. He could make or fix anything. Like, one day in ten minutes he created a screw from a rod of iron, Or soldered an electrical component smaller then a pencil point. He would often talk about you and what you two were going to do next. My kids had the time of their life riding on his trans. Everytime I run the flame licker engine he built, I think of him. Please accept my condolences on your great loss
I was sorry to learn of Gerry’s passing. He certainly was someone who knew alot of interesting things. This time is hard to get through but with the help of famly and friends you will make it. He always live on in your hearts. Only the Lord himself knows when it is time for us to go.
We were saddened to hear of Gerry’s passing, but know that it is good that his suffering is over. We will remember Gerry as one of the most knowledgable interesting people we have known, and, of course, a kind and humorous friend. We regret that, since moving, our get togethers have been so rare. We are sorry we cannot be with you on Saturday, but our prayers and thoughts will be with you.
We will miss Gerry dearly. With his inspiration and knowledge PVLS was able to accomplish some amazing things. I’m glad I was able to know him and learn from him. Maybe someday the question .how much wood could a woodchuck ..?. 🙂 We’ll miss his sense of humor most of all…