Frederick A. Johnson
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It is with sadness that the family of Fred Johnson report his passing on Veteran's Day, 2020. He was born and raised in Walpole, Massachusetts, to the late Jean MacKenna Johnson and Arthur Johnson.
Fred distinguished himself both in sports and music at Walpole High. He went on to Boston University, and became a Music Teacher. Among the many jobs he held to pay for his education, he worked as a tenor and rehearsal accompanist for various live radio music programs. It was there that he met his wife, Jane DiTiberio. In June of 1951, he graduated from BU, got married and got his draft notice. At the end of Basic Training, he was sent to for crash courses in German and French, and was deployed in West Berlin as part of the Berlin Airlift.
Upon his return, the couple moved to New Hampshire, where daughter Jacqueline (now Rivero) was born. Two years later, he was recruited to New Britain, Connecticut. He taught first at Central Junior High, and later at Slade Middle School, where he spent the bulk of his career. The couple settled in Plainville, Connecticut, welcoming daughter Martha (now Dieli) a few years later.
He had a life-long commitment to Civil Rights. To this end, he was instrumental in the creation of Main Street USA, a celebration of all the cultures represented in the city. After retirement, he taught English as a Second Language, ending every term with a pot luck dinner.
Devoted teacher, he volunteered for after school teacher-student sports programs. During summers he could be found in his beloved garden, watching Red Sox games through the window.
He was an active member in the Plainville Congregational Church, singing in the choir, serving on several committees, and serving as the music director. He sang in various choruses, including the Jerry Dargis Chorale, and the Plainville Choral Society.
His wife passed away in 1985. He retired to Guilford a few years later to be near his grandchildren. An avid walker, he walked to the beach and the Green almost daily, enjoying all the Green activities, especially Shakespeare in the Park. He sang in four choruses in the Shoreline area, including the Opera Chorus. He was featured doing a Scottish jig during a production of Lucrezia de Lammermoor. He also travelled extensively. He visited California annually for Jacki's shows, and the pair also did a tour of Great Britain. He also travelled through the U.S., Europe and Russia.
He is survived by sister Elizabeth Johnson of Boston, Massachusetts; daughter Jacqueline Rivero and husband Martin Rivero of Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts; Martha Dieli and husband David Dieli of Madison, Connecticut; grandson Ian Dieli of Portland Maine, and granddaughter Elizabeth Dieli Teixiera and husband Chris Teixiera of Portugal.
Friends are invited to a graveside service with Military Honors on Friday, 27 November at 10:00 a.m. at the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Land, Middletown, Connecticut.