Walter H. Johnson

Greenwich – Walter Johnson, born July 15, 1930, passed away at his home Saturday, October 7, 2023 after a long illness. Walter was the second child of Matts and Gerda Johnson.

His early years were growing up in Brooklyn, NY attending Manuel Training High School. Walter joined the U.S. Army and served in the Korean Conflict, receiving the Purple Heart and two bronze service stars. Upon returning home, he served as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Dix in New Jersey. Through the Salvation Army Corp, he met his future wife Eileen Pross. They were eventually married October 31, 1953.

Later they moved to Glen Cove, Long Island with their family, where Walter worked as a builder. This is when one of his customers suggested he visit Upstate New York where the customer had a summer home. Taking his advice, he bought an old farm house in Shushan, and moved his wife and five children to start the next phase of his life.

Walter became very involved in the community by joining the Presbyterian Church, the Masons, and becoming a founding member of the Salem Rotary. His building career continued to grow with house additions, restorations, cabinetwork, and new house, too numerous to count. In his spare time, Walter enjoyed painting watercolors, restoring antique cars – many of which were driven in the Salem Fourth of July parades, traveling with his wife Eileen, attending car club meetings, and cooking dinners for various occasions (famous for his turkey stuffing).

Eileen and Walter built their last home in Greenwich to be closer to their daughter. As his career was slowing down he enjoyed the following: the Mets, the Giants, and starting his day with the New York Post. He was proud of his Swedish roots, his family, and his building accomplishments.

He is predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Eileen, sister Ruth, brother Charlie, and his nephew John, who he helped raise.

Survivors include his children Gary (Kathy) Johnson, Lisa (Paul) Foster, Kenn (Diana) Johnson and Donald (Beryl Henzy) Johnson, grandchildren Heather (Shane) Watkins, Sarah (Chris) Orihuela, Rebekah (Brenan) Kelley, Julia, Bobbie (Halie), Chris, Lena, Sam and Walter, great grandsons Brandon and Jacob, numerous nieces and nephews, longtime friend Rudy Agostino, and Henry the cat.

Special thanks to Lyn Moy and Judy Shaw for their help in caring for Walter.

Services to be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at the Shushan United Presbyterian Church, 730 County Route 64, Shushan at 2 pm. Calling hours will be from 12-2, prior to service. Interment will be at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salem Rotary Club, P.O. Box 463, Salem, NY  12865.

To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements are with the McClellan-Gariepy Funeral Home in Salem.

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