Obituaries » Howard Alfred Johnson Jr.

Howard Alfred Johnson Jr.

April 3, 1934 - November 14, 2022

Howard A. Johnson Jr.,” Howie”, 88, originally of Fairview, NJ, who resided for many years in Stuart, FL. currently of Lynchburg, Va, died at home on Monday, November 14, 2022.

Howie was born at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, NJ. He was predeceased by his mother, Elizabeth F. Johnson; his father, Howard A. Johnson Sr; his wife of 39 years, Bette Lou Johnson; his sister, Marilyn Reitzel and his partner of 28 years, Patti Diegidio (married 12/1/2016).

He attended Union Hill High School in Union City, NJ and graduated in January of 1953. He attended Jersey City Technical Institute and then had an Electrician Apprenticeship at Alcoa Aluminum. He worked as an Industrial Electrician most of his life and retired from Hills Brothers Coffee after 20 years.

Howie served in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956 in the Dial Central Office Maintenance stationed in Wurzburg, Germany.

Howard is survived by his son, Ricky H. Johnson; his daughter, Lori Johnson; his daughter in law, Beth Hawley; his brother-in-law, Ron Reitzel; his nieces, Janice DeSando and Cheri Yacono (Gary).

He spent his retired years traveling, wood working, learning his computer, and most of all tinkering and fixing around the house and yard. He was the handyman for his neighborhood always, helpful during hurricanes and he just knew how everything mechanical worked. He had a lifelong fascination with cars, either fixing them, racing them or just admiring them which he passed down to his son. He was a master storyteller recounting the feats of his life, pranks, fun times with friends throughout the years, and family stories. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

A special thank you to the dedicated and caring staff at Liberty Ridge who cared for him as if he were one of their own, especially the team on the 2nd floor. He liked things done a certain way and we know he could not be convinced at times (ever) that you did know what you were doing. We know the feeling….. . Pops says, “I have a system!”

A service or gathering will be held sometime in the spring at George Washington Memorial Cemetery in Paramus, NJ. Please contact Lori or Ricky Johnson for further details.

If you wish to make a donation in his name, consider:

Seven Hills Hospice www.sevenhillshh.com

Susan Koman Foundation https://www.komen.org/

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.

Condolences & Tributes

Celebrate Howard 's life with a short message, photo or video!

While I never got to meet Howie himself, I met his son Rick, over 20 years ago through an Internet BMW club. I’m sure Rick learned to be the good man and friend he has been to me because of his father. May Howie rest in peace and thank you for teaching your son to be a good person, and more importantly friend.

Posted by Yarvis Torres on November 22, 2022

To our dear friend Howie, You have been a blessing in our lives since you met Patti. We have spent many wonderful times together. We will always remember you and Patti with fondness and love. Godspeed!! Eunice and Roger

Posted by Eunice F. Everett on November 16, 2022

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