William Abbott Johnson

East Sandwich- William Abbott Johnson died peacefully August 11, 2012, one day shy of his 88th birthday, in the home he built for his family.

Abbott was born in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada to Davine and William Johnson. He moved from Canada to Springfield, MA with his family and became a citizen of the United States. Being too young to serve for the USA during World War II, he returned to Canada and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. He became a Commissioned Officer at the age of 19, serving as a tail gunner, with 40 Squadron, on a Wellington Bomber completing 44 missions for our freedom.

Upon returning to the United States, Abbott married the love of his life, Muriel I. (Lombard) Johnson. Together they raised their boys in Springfield and Cape Cod. Abbott was a member of the Springfield order of the Odd Fellows. He was an active member of the Wachogue Congregational Church. He built vacation cottages on East Sandwich Beach, eventually moving to E. Sandwich

Abbott was a talented builder-carpenter, building many homes and many treasures for his family and friends. He enjoyed boating and lobstering on Cape Cod Bay, and traveling by motorhome with his wife and Brittany spaniels. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and built a working tugboat for his grandchildren. His recent hobbies included building picnic tables, Adirondack chairs and birdhouses of all styles. He always welcomed anyone in need of his craft.

Abbott was devoted to his family and enjoyed participating in all of their milestones from sports, to college, professions and working together on projects in his workshop. He tried valiantly to be able to attend his granddaughter, Julie’s wedding to Brian in September. He will share their love in spirit.

Abbott is survived by his devoted, loving wife of 63 years, Muriel, His sons, Scott and wife Linda, of East Sandwich, Gary and wife Marilyn, of Great Barrington, MA. Four grandchildren Tom, Nathan and his wife Mya, Katy and her husband Mike, Julie and her fiancé, Brian, three great grandchildren Kira, Anna and Morgyn, A brother Donald “Bud” Johnson and his wife Betty, Sister in-laws Ann Johnson, Barbara Johnson, Brother in-law Charles “Wes” Lombard, his wife Shirley and their daughter Bonnie, his devoted daughter in-law Susan and many nieces nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his grandson and buddy Jeffrey Johnson, brothers Bruce and Fraser, sister Margaret and her husband Clayton Bliss.

A Memorial Mass will be held at the First Church of Christ, 136 Main Street, Sandwich, Wednesday August 15, at 10:30 am.

Memorial contributions in Abbott’s name can be made to Children’s Hospital Boston, Center for Adolescent Substance Abuse Research, (CEASAR) 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115