Shrewsbury – Leonard F. “Al” Johnson, 82, of Shrewsbury, died Monday, Feb. 10, 2014 after a long illness.
He leave his wife of 58 years, Mary P. (Rondinone) Johnson; three sons, Mark P. Johnson and his wife Annmarie of Worcester, Robert D. Johnson and his wife Susan of Shrewsbury, and David S. Johnson and his wife Tina of Sturbridge; a daughter, Pamela L. Hayes and her husband Thomas of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina; a brother, Robert D. Johnson of W. Boylston; five grandchildren, Robert, Eric, Amy, Alex, and Dylan Johnson; and four step-grandchildren, Heather, Westley, Andrew and Lilli, and is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and close friends. He was predeceased by a sister, Norma Urella Petrone, and a brother, Stanley Johnson.
Leonard was born in Webster and raised in Worcester, son of the late Gertrude (Trocki) Johnson. He attended Worcester Boys Trade School and graduated from Commerce High School. He later entered into the United States Army and served his country during the Korean Conflict with the 8th Army as a Ranger.
Leonard started his working career at Heffernan Press and retired from the former Paul Revere Insurance Company in Worcester. In his retirement years, he became a loyal and respected member who assisted the Directors at Britton Funeral Homes of Shrewsbury & Auburn. This was a job that he thoroughly enjoyed and was always dedicated to.
Leonard was a passionate pilot who enjoyed taking many of his friends and family members for scenic flying adventures. He was a faithful member, collector and head usher at Saint Mary's Parish in Shrewsbury. He was a member of Fitchburg Flying Club and the Aircraft Owners Pilot Association, and was a former member of the Adelphi Council # 4181 Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed following all the Boston Sports Teams and was an avid reader.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Leonard's family Friday, Feb. 14, from 4 – 8 p.m., in the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, 648 Main St., Shrewsbury. His funeral will be from the funeral home Saturday, Feb. 15, with a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury. Burial with military honors will follow in Mountain View Cemetery of Shrewsbury.
Memorial donations can be made to the Saint Mary's Church Capitol Campaign, 20 Summer St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545 or to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.
To leave a message of condolence for Leonard's family or to view his Book of Memories, please visit www.brittonfuneralhomes.com.
