Long time Claremont resident Edward F. Johnson Sr. passed away on July 11th after a near year-long battle with cancer.  He was 70-years old.  Edward (Ed) was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts (his "hood") on April 28, 1953, to Dorothy and Norman Johnson.  At 15, he participated in the ABC program that moved inner-city students to rural parts of New England.  This program led him to Claremont, NH, and St. Mary's High School.  It was there he met the love of his life – Michele (Lemere) Johnson, his wife of 51 years, who was at his side at the time of his passing.   Ed graduated in the last St. Mary's High School class in 1971 and remained in the area for the rest of his life.

As a young student, Ed dreamed of becoming a doctor.  He attended UMASS Springfield for a brief time in pursuit of that dream, which he had to pause for a time while he and Michele raised a family – daughters Shelley Scharff of Frankfurt, ME, Sherry Johnson of Claremont, Sheila Aiken of Unity NH, and son Edward Jr. of Claremont.  Ed completed his bachelor's degree from Hawthorne College and then later completed his nursing degree from NH Vocational Technical College of Claremont – the latter helping him accomplish his life-long goal of working in the medical field.  Before retiring, Ed finished his working life at the Sullivan County Nursing Home, and then Pathways.

Even with the career accomplishments he enjoyed later in life, Ed's true passion was always his family.  Ed's family knew every day that they were loved and cherished by him.  Ed's often gruff exterior (sometimes affectionately called "Grumpa") was never able to cover up the joy in his heart whenever he was surrounded by loved ones.  His smile lit up the room, and his laugh was infectious.  He loved to sing, especially when something by Three Dog Night or Credence Clearwater Revival was playing.  He loved nothing more than to sit around a table and converse and laugh with friends and family and have a snort (whisky and coke).  Ed was a huge sports fan and closely followed all the Boston / New England teams.  You could often tell how a game was going by how loud he was yelling and swearing.

Ed dealt with many health issues in his life, but he never dwelled on them and rarely complained.  He fought through all the treatments and setbacks the last 11 months threw at him.  He fought because he did not want to be parted from his family.  He passed from this world with dignity in his home of the last 45 years, surrounded by loved ones.  In his last few weeks, he confessed to being worried about how his family would deal with his passing.  This was his last selfless act to his family, who will miss him dearly.  The impact he made on the lives of those who really knew him will always be felt and never forgotten.  He was a good man, and a great husband, father, and grandfather.

In addition to his wife and four children, Ed leaves behind two sons-in-law; James Aiken of Unity, NH, and Robert Scharff of Frankfurt, ME, as well as daughter-in-law Christina Johnson of Claremont.  His eleven grandchildren: Ethan and Ava Johnson of Claremont, James and Riley Aiken of Unity, Johnnie and Camden McPherson and Ella Johnson of Claremont, and Kali, Benjamin, Samuel, and Jada Scharff of Frankfurt, ME.  Also survived by brother James Johnson of Everett, MA and sister Ann McCormack of Tucson, AZ.

Services will be held at Stringer Funeral home on Saturday, July 29th.  Calling hours starting at 9:30am, with services 11-11:15.  This will be a celebration of life for Ed.  As he was a huge sports fan, we encourage all attendees to wear something with their favorite sports team to honor Ed's passion.  Yes, even if it's the Jets.  A celebration of life will continue at noon at 28 Ellis Lane for friends and family.