Joseph West Johnson III

Johnson, Joseph West, III “Jeff” of Norwood, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on January 20, 2023 after a brief illness. Born August 24, 1943 in New Haven, Connecticut to Grace (Colby) and Joseph W. Johnson, Jr. Jeff moved to Norwood at the age of 3. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Mary Ann (Donovan); and their three children, Stephen “Steve” and Elizabeth “Bess” of Norwood, and Joseph “Jay” and his wife Kara of Concord. Jeff is also survived by his beloved granddaughters, Katherine and Caroline Johnson.

Graduating from Norwood High School in 1961, and the University of Rhode Island in 1965, Jeff served in the Peace Corps in Guyana from 1966 to 1968. He obtained his graduate degree in counseling from Boston State College. Jeff taught in Sterling, Massachusetts from 1969 to 1973. He then went on to teach at Norwood Junior High/ Middle School, retiring in 2002. After his retirement from full-time teaching, Jeff returned to education as an instructional aide at Blue Hills Regional Technical School in Canton. Affectionately titled “Special Ops”, he worked alongside his son Jay for a few weeks each summer at Pine Tree Basketball Camp at Colby College. Jeff volunteered for many years with the Norwood Little League, coaching teams at all levels, and sharing his knowledge and love of baseball with scores of young players.

A family man, he loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed celebrations with his extended family. He loved to garden, play tennis and baseball, paint, read, and perform magic tricks for his granddaughters. In retirement, he treasured his friendships and enjoyed meeting with friends for coffee and conversations or baseball games in Lowell. Jeff lived by a code of honor and generosity of spirit that was felt by all who met him.

The family would like to thank the competent and compassionate staff at the Faulkner Hospital Intensive Care Unit for their loving care of Jeff and his family. A private family service will be held in the coming days, followed by a gathering to celebrate Jeff’s life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Norwood Food Pantry.