Matthew Herbert Johnson, Jr. of Yarmouth Port, MA and formerly of Weston, CT passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Born in Plymouth, MA on January 22, 1929 he was the son of Matthew, Sr. and Gertrude and was raised in Pomfret, CT. He graduated from Putnam High School in 1947 where he excelled in all sports and received a full scholarship to the University of Connecticut. He earned his Master’s Degree from Springfield College.
After graduation with a degree in Physical Education, Matt married his high school sweetheart Frances and moved to Westport, CT where he was hired by the YMCA and eventually became the Executive Director for the rest of his career. He was founder and coach for the Staples High School swim team. He spent many years in youth sports and activities in Weston, CT where he and Frances moved in 1959. He was an active member of the Weston Volunteer Fire Department and St. Frances of Assisi Church. Matt was an original member of the Fairfield County Football Official Association and was inducted into the CT Football Officials Hall of Fame. Matt was a member of the Westport, CT and Yarmouth Port, MA Rotary clubs.
Matt and Fran’s love of travel brought them around the world but their love was their summer home on Cape Cod. After retirement Matt and Fran volunteered for the Jerusalum YMCA in Israel. His greatest enjoyment were his grandchildren and their multiple activities. He was an avid Red Sox and UConn Husky fan. After losing Frances in 2013, Matt moved permanently to Cape Cod where he continued to play golf, socialize and volunteer.
Besides the love of his life, his wife Frances of 62 years, he was predeceased by his sister
Connie and his son-in-law Peter MacLean. Survivors include his daughter Joyce and husband Brian Zukauskas of Fairfield, CT, his son Paul Johnson of Fairfield, CT, his son Peter and his wife Carol of Bethel, CT and his daughter Mary MacLean of South Dennis, MA. Matt also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren Erik, Kyle and Karl Zukauskas, Jared Johnson, Kelly and Brooke MacLean and Hilda Johnson who he considered his daughter as well as his in-laws Mary Vandi, Stephen Kacerik and Barbara Ives as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Services will be private but please consider a donation in Matt’s name to https://www.ymca.net./
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