Dr. John Constantine Johnson

Born in Portsmouth OH in 1939 to Constantine (affectionately known as Gus) and Sylvia (nee Morrison), John is survived by his two brothers George Vaughn and Nicholas Socrates; beloved wife of fifty-six years Eleanor (nee Friedmann); two children Nicholas Michael Constantine and Julia Eleanor; three grandchildren Chloie Mae, Judith Margaret, Nicholas August Constantine. After graduating from The Ohio State University’s Medical School in 1965 Dr. Johnson practice radiology at OSU and Grant Hospitals in Columbus Ohio, retiring from practice in 2011.

John was the oldest of three brothers and was often the quietest. Although a few stories his brother, Nick, told indicate that this may not always have been the case. He was first and foremost a doctor. A healer. Dedicating himself to delving ever deeper into the art and science of Radiology. So many evenings he would return home from the hospital, eat a quick dinner and then sequester himself in his room with his latest stack of medical journals. As so many physicians are, he was a doctor whether working or not. When he stepped out of his role as Doctor Johnson, he was quiet. His smile was just a bit mischievous and a bit mystified. As though the world around him was beautifully overwhelming and full of opportunity. In his middle years, he would jog, often covering 5 miles or more. He was an active tennis player, spending hours at the courts hitting serves. He loved nature and especially trees. Declaring that it was his goal to create a forest in his backyard. He was an avid fisherman and would sometimes sneak off to “tramp” through the woods looking for a hidden pond or stream. And nothing pleased him more than teaching a friend the art of fly fishing. He was deliberate in his speech and action. Rarely spontaneous, but often kind. He was giving of those things he possessed: medical knowledge, skills such as arboriculture or fishing that he knew well. But would otherwise keep to himself. Not aloof nor reclusive. Rather, he was simply fascinated by his interests. His vision fully taken up by whatever it was he sought. Becoming nearly encyclopedic on the subject. And simply unaware of the rest. Which is why the Alzheimer’s disease that struck him was so tragic. So very cruel. Robbing him of all those things which he knew. A creeping anosognosia that was barely noticed for years. Sweeping him away piece by piece. Until it finally stole his voice and then his life. His family and friends have missed and will continue to miss him dearly.

Family will receive friends from 4-6 P.M. Tuesday April 19, 2022 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Rd. Funeral service will be held at 10 A.M. Wednesday April 20, 2022 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2151 Dorset Rd. Interment Union Cemetery, Old Section.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Ohio Stream Preservation (www.ohiostream.org; 22999 FORBES ROAD, Oakwood Village OH 44146-5600).