Wilton, NY - Arthur H Johnson Sr., died Friday, February 10, 2012, after a short illness.
Born in the city of Rensselear, NY, April 6, 1919, he was the son of the late James H. Johnson and Ella (Fuller) Johnson.
He spent the first nine years of his life in the Troy Orphan Asylum (Vanderhyden). He was reunited with his parents for three years and then, at age 12, lived in a boy’s home in Lebanon, NY, where he learned the trade of cabinetmaking. At 16 he started making his own way in life, gathering adoptive families along the way that fell in love with the quiet, selfless man.
Art was a veteran of WWII, a Sgt (E4) in the U.S. Army Air Corp, attached to the 5th Air Corp. He was a first cook for a forward operating radar unit behind enemy lines in New Guinea and the Philippines. In 1943, before heading overseas, he married Gladys E. Sagendorf of Snyders Lake in North Greenbush, NY. He worked for Ford Motor Company in Green Island, NY, retiring as the plant carpenter in 1978, after 32 years. Upon retirement, he traveled to Hawaii and Guam and visited most of the 48 continental states. He and his wife spent their winters in Florida for over 25 years.
Art was an avid gardener and woodworker. He also was a self-taught pianist and harmonica player. His favorite venues were Honky Tonk and Rag Time. He was also an avid baseball fan and boxing fan. He loved ping pong and played well into his 86th year.
Arthur had a wonderful sense of humor, a strong work ethic and was a devoted family man.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, James H. Johnson and sister, Rose G. Brown.
Survivors include his wife, Gladys Johnson; children, Arthur (Barbara) Johnson Jr., Diana (Tom) Bisnett and Kathie (Ed) Wait; sister, Mildred Johnson; eight grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren who loving referred to him as “Great Johnson.”
Relatives and friends may call 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, (518) 584-5373 to be followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Burial with military honors will follow at noon at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Road, Schuylerville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St.,, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
