Roy Oliver Johnson

He was born in Cambridge, MA, January 29, 1930, the only child of Clareroy and Olive (Pedersen) Johnson. As a child his family moved from Dedham, MA to Surry, eventually settling in Keene. He graduated from Keene High School in 1948; attended Tilton Academy; and received a Steam and Diesel Engineering degree from The Wentworth Institute in Boston in 1951. After graduation he was drafted in the United States Army, and proudly served his country in the Korean War with the 7th Division. He returned home and enrolled at Northampton Commercial College. After graduation in 1956 he joined then later managed the family business, Johnson Motor Parts on Railroad St in Keene, until his retirement and the closing of the business in 1995.

He married Lorraine M. Chabott on February 15, 1958 in a ceremony at St. Bernard Catholic Church. They shared 57 wonderful years together in Keene as well as in York Beach, Maine.

Mr. Johnson was a hardworking, dedicated family and business man. He enjoyed model railroading and military history, but his true passion was the automobile and American Auto Racing. Throughout his years at Johnson Motor Parts he was well known in the community as an expert in late model and antique American automobiles. He was a member of the Cadillac – LaSalle Car Club and would take his treasured 1940 Cadillac 60 Special to classic car shows or just attend to talk and share stories with other classic car enthusiasts.

He is pre-deceased by his father and mother: Clareroy and Olive Johnson; and his step-father; Clarence “Bub” Buchanan. He is survived by his loving wife: Lorraine C. Johnson of Keene; a daughter Juliana Johnson Suminsby and her husband David of Beverly, MA; a son David Roy Johnson and his wife Debbie (Byrne) of Keene; a daughter; Mary Katherine Johnson and her husband Aidan P. Bunting of Salem, MA; as well as one grandchild: Jack Suminsby of Beverly, MA.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2015, from 5:00 until 7:00 pm, at the Fletcher Funeral Home. Committal services and burial will be held privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to be made, in Roy O. Johnson's name, to Patient Relief Fund, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Kingsbury Pavilion, 590 Court Street, Keene, NH 03431 or to the Activities Fund at Applewood Rehabilitation Center, 8 Snow Road, Winchester, NH 03470

Fletcher Funeral Home and Cremation Services, (www.fletcherfuneralhome.com) 33 Marlboro St, Keene, has been entrusted with the arrangements.