Obituary of Oliver Johnson

PLEASANT LAKE/MACOMB - Oliver Johnson, age 89, of Pleasant Lake, Macomb, NY, passed away at home on Thursday, July 3, 2014 surrounded by his family. Calling hours will be at French Funeral Home, 16 Barnes. St., Gouverneur on Monday, July 7th from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. His funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, July 8th at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the St. James Cemetery, Gouverneur. Oliver was born on September 12, 1924 in Morristown to the late Lawrence and Julia (Cooper) Johnson. He attended the Morristown High School and married Marguerite Refici on July 7, 1946. Marguerite passed away on January 22, 2014. Mr. Johnson served in the United States Army as a machine gunner in Central Europe, Rhineland and Ardennes during WWII. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, American Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, and the WWII Victory Medal. Oliver worked as an electronics repairman for Jones Farm Supply in Gouverneur for many years. He liked to tinker and was considered a "jack of all trades". He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and spending time with his family and winters in Florida. His survivors include eleven children, James Johnson of Syracuse, Linda Hutton of Pleasant Lake, Richard and Sharon Johnson of New Mexico, Terry Johnson of Pleasant Lake, Judy and William Strickland of Dryden, Mary and Howard Popke of Vermont, Vickie and Alan Merrill of Canton, Diane and William Miller of Gouverneur, Michael and Helen Johnson of Pleasant Lake, Timothy Johnson and Tammy Stamper of Gouverneur, and Nancy Lyons of Florida. He is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Oliver is predeceased by his parents and two brothers, David and Robert Johnson. Donations in memory of Oliver may be made to the St. Patrick's Catholic Church, P.O. Box 216, Morristown NY 13664 or to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley, 6805 US HWY 11, Potsdam NY 13676. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com.