Gary E. Johnson

He was born March 23, 1945 the son of Ernest Johnson & Agnes Johnson Ferrara in Oneonta, NY where he lived all of his life. He graduated from Oneonta High School in 1964. In January of 1965, he married Marguerite Baldo, a union which lasted until his passing.

Gary was a dedicated and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend and served the Oneonta Fire Department for 32 years, retiring as a Captain.

Gary’s favorite pastime was playing and listening to music. He shared that passion with many, who not only loved to hear him play but were inspired by him to become musicians as well. Starting as a teen with the Kingsmen and Marty & the Madmen, he then went on to entertain as a member of many popular local bands, including Broad Street, The Catskill Stompers and toured with The Lenny Sands Band.

After retiring from the fire department, Gary worked part-time as an electrician as well as doing bookkeeping for a local business. He was happiest spending time with his four grandchildren and videotaping and photographing their numerous activities

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Gary was a member of the Local Elks Club 1312 and the Masonic Lodge and held leadership positions for the fireman’s association and union.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years Marguerite (Maggie) Johnson, his son and daughter in-law James V. Johnson & Amy Johnson, his daughter & son-in-law Rebecca Carrington & Wayne Carrington, four grandchildren Alexandria Johnson, James Johnson, Jr., Aben Carrington & Andrew Carrington and two brothers, Douglas Johnson and Joseph Ferrara and a sister, Lynette Howard, several nephews & nieces, many close friends.

Calling hours will be Wednesday May 7th 5-8pm at Lester Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand Street in Oneonta. Thursday 10am a service will be held to celebrate his life at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 39 Walnut Street Oneonta.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catskill Area Hospice 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta NY / www.cahpc.org or to the charity of one’s choice.

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta, NY.