In the early morning of Thursday August 26, 2010, Nathan Johnson Jr. was received into the loving arms of our Savior as he entered into eternal rest, ending a 5 year battle with Alzheimer’s at the age of 57. Nate was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 52. Nate was born on January 17, 1953 in Detroit, Michigan to Nathan Johnson Sr. and Elizabeth Brown Johnson. He was raised by his beloved paternal grandparents, Big Jim and Essie Lockett in New London, CT.
Nate is survived by is devoted wife, Brenda, his son Nathan III and his wife Cynthia of Montville, his daughter Kristine of Waterford, his grandson Neico Hayden of Naugatuck who was the apple of his eye, his brothers Paul Goodnight, Richard Goode and Roland Brooks of Massachusetts; George Eleazer and Eddie Goode of Connecticut; his sisters Mary Whitlock of Mass; Agnes Black, Laura Howard and Gloria Eleazer of CT; Cousins Geraldine and Masco Settles of VA, Stanley Binion of CT and Patricia Kyle of North Carolina; Mother in Law Letha Ragland of New London, “Nana” Missionary Katie Sydnor of Ivoryton, as well as a host of relatives, Godchildren and friends.
Nate graduated from New London High in 1972. He played football and basketball for New London and though he has lived in Waterford for 35 years, he took great pride in being a New Londoner. He was blessed by great role models such as Coach Jim Buonocore and Mr. Spencer Lancaster.
Nate worked for North East Utilities for over 30 years. He was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 457. Nate was a Lineman at heart until the day he closed his eyes. He worked outside in the grueling summer heat and icy winter air, climbing poles and going underground to fix and restore power for the people of CT. Some of his fondest memories were when he and other coworkers were deployed to Canada after an ice storm and Puerto Rico after a hurricane, to help their brothers and sisters in need. Nate was quite the prankster; taking great pleasure in planting fake snakes in lunchboxes and trucks and taking any opportunity he could to scare a co-worker, neighbor, friend or stranger, in which he insisted was in good fun.
God blessed him with hands to care for the beautiful outdoors. He nurtured his outdoor birds and fish as if he raised them himself. He truly enjoyed caring for and beatifying the landscape of our home and church for years, until he was forced to give it up. Dad, we’ll do our best to keep your vision of a lovely, warm and inviting outside alive.
Nate loved his family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and church. He served as a member of the Usher Board at New Life Church in Ledyard.
Nate and the family were so blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by such caring friends, family and neighbors. We found out quickly that it takes a village to help look after a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Our thoughtful neighbors Hough and Jane Bell, Bruce and Judy Bowdish, Donna and the late Dave Lillis, Gwen Horsley, Ms. Elaine Perkins and little Connor and his family, looked out for Nate throughout the progression of the disease, helping to keep him engaged and active in the neighborhood in which he loved. Marty Olsen, a dear friend, has been by Nate’s side throughout the stages of this
horrible disease. He regularly took Nate to sporting events and other functions to help keep him active and entertained. The mention of his grandson Neico would perk him up and put a sparkle in his eye. Latianna and Tevel brought laughter and countless smiles to his face. Angela Hicks and Betula Freeman have been such a blessing, helping us with home care and caring for Nate with love and kindness. We have such gratitude to Nate’s Co-workers and bosses at North East Utilities for their support during such a difficult time. We want to express a special Thank You to dear friends Grady Fitzpatrick and Wayne Quattlebaum who helped to care for his yard when he no longer could, which he lovingly referred to as “the North Forty” and Hank Parr who has always been just a phone call away. We would also like to thank Rev. Jack Madry, who Nate talked about fondly as a friend over the years.
We would like to thank our Pastors Johnny and Sharon Burns and our New Life Church family for their prayers and support. Our Pastors were a tremendous source of strength and guidance. We are so thankful to Dale and Karen Cook who came at a moments notice to assist when we were in dire need. We are grateful to those dear friends, neighbors and co-workers who have blessed us in so many ways. Thank you Dr. Daniel Press of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Mass., who provided such wonderful care, education and support to not only Nate, but the family as a whole. We would also like to thank Stacey Chavis from the Norwich branch of the Alzheimer’s Association for the support and education she provided. The family would like to express our special thank you to the ladies from the Shoreline Adult Day Care Center in Waterford for providing such loving care, allowing us a little breathing time and to Dawn and the staff at Chesterfield who provided wonderful care for a brief time of respite. We are so appreciative to Barbara and Dawn from Hospice of SE CT for your gentle care, support and encouragement. We could not have done this without you. We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Nick Orbello who helped to guide us during such a difficult time. Last but not least, we thank Janice Podsada, journalist for the Hartford Courant, who took the time and interest in writing a heartfelt story about Nate’s unfortunate journey through Early Onset Alzheimer’s. God’s blessings to you all.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either the Alzheimer’s Association of SE CT, the Shoreline Adult Day Care Center in Waterford or Hospice of SE CT.
Homegoing service will be held at New Life Christian Fellowship, 1729 Center Groton Road, Ledyard CT
Care of arrangements have been entrusted to Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home
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