Thord Richard Johnson

Thord Richard Johnson, 89, of Emerson, NJ, peacefully passed away on Sunday, August 4, 2024. Thord, born in Sweden to Hildur (nee Wahlberg) and Tage Johnson, grew up in the Bronx, NY, and met his beloved Marilyn (nee Holgerson) on a blind date. They married, moved to New Jersey, raised a beautiful family, and recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Thord proudly served his country in the US Army. He was then employed at Chase Manhattan Bank in NY as a 2nd VP Lending Officer and retired after 41 years. Thord was a well-rounded hobbyist as a fisherman, guitarist, gardener, photographer and computer enthusiast. A talented tenor, he loved to sing in the church choir and The Blue Chip Chorus barbershop quartet group. He made it a priority to watch his three children in their sporting activities; later in his retirement, he enjoyed the same with his grandchildren.

In addition to his devoted wife Marilyn, Thord is survived by his three children: David (Laura), Paul (Jennie Walker), and Judi (Scott Rees); his seven grandchildren: Stephanie Koike (Thomas), Jake (Jessica Iannetta), David Jr, Sophie, Marianne, Ryan Johnson Rees, and Mackenzie Johnson Rees; also, by his two sisters Margaret Stramowski (Frank) and Betty, sister-in-law Nancy Hillman, niece Ginny Baldwin (Spencer), and nephew Kenny Hillman (Jennifer). He is predeceased by his brother Ted and sister Ines.

The family will receive guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood, NJ on Friday, August 9 from 4-8PM with a Celebration of Life and Faith to commence at 7:15 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Thord Johnson’s memory to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org or a charity of your choice.