Stephen P Johnson

He was born on November 25, 1918, in Keene, NH, the first of four children born to Stephen Guy and Elsie (Prentice) Johnson, and was a lifelong resident of Winchester, NH. Educated in the Winchester schools, Steve graduated as valedictorian of the class of 1936 from Thayer High School. He then went on to the American International College, in Springfield, MA, and graduated in 1940 with a degree in chemistry.

Steve was employed by A.C. Lawrence Leather Company, starting in the chemistry lab; he then was supervisor of the wet division (also known as “the pits”) and worked his final 14 years as Employment Manager and First Aid Attendant. He spent 43 years there, retiring in 1983.

On August 26, 1950, Steve married Mary E. Frost in Winchester, NH. Together they remodeled the house they lived in and raised their three daughters. They enjoyed over 63 years of marriage together.

“Dedication” and “service to the community” were more than catch phrases to Steve. While working at The Tannery, he volunteered as the United Way representative and served on the board for 4 years. His community involvement included the Board of Incorporators for the E.L.M.M. Community Center for 50 years with the last 9 served as Treasurer. He served the town as Trustee of Trust Funds and as Tax Collector for 15 years. He was a member of the School Board for 10 years, during the period in which the Junior High addition was erected. He also served as Moderator for the School, he has been a Mason for over 70 years, as an incorporator of the Cheshire Hospital for 40 years and he served as director of the YMCA for 25 years. He was a talented craftsman and carpenter who worked on five houses for Habitat for Humanity.

For The United Church of Winchester, he served two years as Moderator as well as on boards or committees continuously for 50+ years. He was the Honorary Chair for the first Capital Campaign in the history of the church which enabled the building to become accessible to everyone and a new kitchen to be built. He was a friendly face at almost all the Bean Suppers, even working at the 395th that was held on February 1, 2014.

Because Steve believed that upon retirement, one should retire TO something, he continued volunteering at the Samaritans for 10 years. Working for the Red Cross, he made 996 trips totaling 107,000 miles to take patients to medical appointments. During his earlier working years Steve donated a total of 15 gallons of his blood to the Red Cross. For 14 years, mostly for fun, he played a part in “The Old Homestead” held in Swanzey every July. He also tended a big vegetable garden and always shared the extra produce with the community. White pines were a passion and he had several plots of trees to trim along with his Christmas trees which he tended to and gave away.

Steve enjoyed making his sizeable contributions of time and talents, but family was always the number one priority. Almost every Sunday, following worship service, you will find his family, along with extended family and friends, gathered around the table to enjoy Sunday dinner together.

Steve is survived by his wife Mary E. Johnson; his daughters: Martha Johnson of Spain, Miriam “Mim” Johnson and her husband, Paul Bader, of Winchester, and Elizabeth “Liz” Johnson and her partner, John Manning, of Hillsborough; two sisters: Margaret Grubel of Elmira, NY, and Mary L. Johnson of Winchester; one brother: William L. Johnson of W. Dummerston, VT.; five grandchildren: Rhapsody Arlen, Felicia Howard, Annette Mullins, Deutzia Sanchez and Abel Sanchez; five great grandchildren: Iszak Arlen, Cayleigh Arlen, Owen Mullins, Mason Howard, and Noah Howard; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was pre-deceased by his parents and a great granddaughter: Grace Jane Howard.

Calling Hours will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2014 from 1:00pm-3:30pm in the sanctuary of The United Church of Winchester, 99 Main St. Winchester, NH, with a memorial service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations can be made, in memory of Stephen P Johnson, to: The United Church of Winchester, 97 Main St., Winchester, NH 03470, the Cheshire YMCA, 32 Lake St. N. Swanzey, NH 03431, or to the Jerusalem Lodge #104, c/o John Bys, 769 Old Homestead Hwy., Swanzey, NH 03469.

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