Andre "Arnie" "Youngblood" Francis Johnson

Andre Francis Johnson, age 73, passed away at home on Thursday, August 5, 2010 surrounded by loved ones. He was a native of New York, NY and a resident of Hampton Roads since 2006. Andre Francis Johnson was born on May 26, 1937 in Pleasantville Hospital in Pleasantville, New York to Cynthia & Jonah Ratliff (both predeceased). He started his education at Blessed Sacrament Catholic School in New Rochelle, NY and then continued onto Archbishop Stepinac Catholic High School in White Plains, New York. Andre grew up during a racially charged time in which it was extremely difficult time for anyone of color to fit in. In his younger years, Andre spent many summers with his grandmother Margaret (Mimi) Johnson (predeceased) in Baltimore, Maryland and also in Washington, DC with his Aunt Dorothy Johnson-Mike and Uncle Owen Mike (both predeceased). Andre was known as “Arnie” to his close family members and “Red” & “Youngblood” to childhood friends. As a child, Andre was active in his community and enjoyed playing numerous sports with his brother, Anthony Ratliff (predeceased), including archery, basketball, football, dice, and pool. At 18 years old, Andre enlisted in the United States Air Force; he was later honorably discharged. He then secured a position with Pitney Bowes. During his 22 year tenure at Pitney Bowes, he moved up to a management position due to his commitment, dedication, and hard work. Although Andre was laid off due to reorganizational needs and cutbacks, it did not prevent Andre from providing for his family. Andre maintained many odd jobs in order to continue to support his family, until he secured a position with L & J Limo Services as an Executive Chauffeur. He would successfully occupy this position until his retirement in 2006. During the early years at Pitney Bowes, he met and married Myrtle Rudder (predeceased, 2006) of Trinidad, West Indies on September 28, 1969 and they shared 37 years of marriage. Andre spent many vacations in Trinidad, West Indies with his wife Myrtle, family, and friends where he adapted & enjoyed the culture, music, food and country. Andre and Myrtle enjoyed traveling including road trips cross country trips from New York to California, Texas, and Florida. Throughout his life, he lived in various places throughout Westchester County, NY & Connecticut. Andre eventually settled with his wife in the Bronx, NY where they purchased their first home located at 2512 Grand Ave, Bronx, NY. He resided in this home until the loss of his wife and his subsequent retirement. Andre continued to be a devout Catholic throughout his life and attended mass regularly at St. Nicolas of Tolentine church located in the Bronx, New York for over 30 years. When Andre relocated to Virginia, he became a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Hampton, Virginia. During the time of his hospitalization(s), Immaculate Conception members were available to administer Holy Communion and pray with him often. At times when he was too ill to attend services in person, he would watch services on television and read the bible. Andre, known as the Gentle Giant to his children, was quiet, kind, hardworking, and dedicated to his family. Andre was always just a phone call away. Andre would walk so quietly that he could sneak up on his teenage children when they were secretly up to their teenage shenanigans. In addition to his gentle demeanor, Andre was good at fixing things around the house even if they didn’t need repair. Andre was preceded in death by his daughter, Bettina Marie Harris, and granddaughters, Cheniqua Chevonne Montgomery (2002) and Jessica Danielle Taylor (1985).

Andre leaves to cherish and carry on his legacy his children: Sheila Johnson, Andre (Sputnik) Johnson, Cynthia Dixon, Carla Dixon-Williams, Tracey Dixon, Nicole (Fefe) Dixon, Todd Dixon, Michelle Goggins (Dhyronn) , Andrea (Nicole) Johnson-Moltke, Marva Taylor (Oswald), Suezann Rudder, Anthony Rudder, Joanne (Gail) Rudder, and Petra (Sandra) Simpson.

Andre also leaves behind to cherish his 29 grandchildren: Latisha, Chanel, Christopher, Von, Shana, Dae Shawn, Shan, Jasmine, Ashleigh, Justin, Aaron, Arianna, Joinel, William (Billy), Andre, Robert, Lisa, Eula, William, Joseph, Jessica, Gloria, Khristina, Jameelah, Jasmin, Japera, Habib, Hallim, Monsur, Nassor, Dara, Divine, Zalika, Hanifah and Mtayari, as well as 29 great-grandchildren who affectionately called him GGP (Great Grandpa).

Cousins: Deborah Mike & Owen Mike

Beloved Friends: Mr. Vivian Riley and Ms. Linda Selby

Extended family members including the De Gross family of Maryland and a

multitude of friends and extended family throughout North America & Trinidad ! We will miss him and continue to live through fond memories.

As a father, grandfather, and great grandfather, your gentle guiding hand will be on our shoulder and will remain with us forever. You are loved and will be greatly missed. We gain our comfort in knowing that you and Mom are dancing in the rain once again!

A wake will be held on Monday, August 9 at 6:00 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, officiated by Monsignor Bob Perkins. The family will receive family and friends until 8:00 PM.

Funeral will be held on Saturday, August 14 at 12 PM at Cosmopolitan AME Church and be laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetary in Bronx, New York.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to Sentara Hospice.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawnwoodfh.com to share memories and words of comfort with the family.