A Heart of Gold

Dover:

John Augustus Johnson, 68, passed away at home on October 31, 2024, after a courageous battle with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Born on October 7, 1956, in the Bronx, New York, John spent the past 20 years raising his family in Dover, New Jersey. He was a proud graduate of Cardinal Hayes High School and went on to earn both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from New York University in the fields of Education Administration and Music Education. John was the beloved son of John and Mildred Johnson, who raised him in the Catholic faith.

John Johnson will be greatly missed by his family and dear friends even as we celebrate his life. John is survived by his devoted wife Ronni, his loving daughter Parris, loyal son Peyton, his godson Danny (Marissa) Martinez and goddaughter Melissa Colon, father-in-law Welker Calhoun and mother-in-law Shirley Calhoun, sister-in-law Liza (Kenneth) Hare and four other sisters-in-law, and a host of nieces and nephews. Though not related by blood, Raymond and Norma Canals, Alfredo and Candi Carrero, Raul and Marilyn Collado, Rev. John Kearney, Teddy Lopez, Wilson and Millie Martinez, Josette Jean-Francois-Reyers, Denise and Don Rivas, and Bert and Liz Rivera were, in every way, John's chosen family. They embraced him with love and friendship, were solid as a rock, and affectionately called him Bo. John was preceded in death by his parents, John Robert Johnson and Mildred Veronica Johnson, as well as his sister Juanita Johnson.

John and Ronni met at a mutual friend’s crab fest, though at the time, Ronni didn’t pay John any mind. Their paths continued to cross, running into each other frequently while attending social events. When John made a point to attend one of Ronni’s art gallery exhibits, their acquaintance quickly blossomed. After a short period of dating, John knew Ronni was the one! Their shared adventures took them to Switzerland, London, and Paris where John proposed to Ronni at the Eiffel Tower. They were blessed with their first-born child, Parris, and five years later welcomed their son, Peyton. John and Ronni shared 25 years of marriage.

After graduating from NYU, John joined the university as a staff member, beginning his career as a Computer Instructor and a Counselor in the Higher Education Opportunity Program. Among the many highlights of his tenure at NYU, he received the prestigious Educator of the Year Award in recognition of his exceptional work.

Through the Years

Throughout his career, John taught at the elementary, secondary, and college levels. His final role at NYU was as Assistant Dean of the Gallatin School of Individualized Study.

John served as Vice President of Dean of Students at Bloomfield College and as Site Coordinator for the Northern New Jersey Health Professionals Pathways Grant program at the County College of Morris before returning to Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx, New York. For the past eight years, he was the Director of Music for the school's award-winning Marching Band and a dedicated music teacher. John was more than just a mentor and friend to generations of Spellman students; he was deeply passionate about teaching music. His role at Cardinal Spellman allowed him to fully live out his mission of inspiring and empowering young people. His students not only grew intellectually but also gained personal confidence, discovering a teacher who genuinely cared about their potential and purpose. John’s qualities as both an educator and a person left a lasting and meaningful impact, inspiring his students to be their personal best.

As such, John was an unwaveringly honest and a supportive friend, a proud parent, and a devoted spouse. He delighted in Peyton’s musical gifts, often attending concerts together. He also cherished his daily conversations with Parris’, always eager to hear about her day.

John is a 1992 Education Policy Fellow with the New York Chapter of the Institute of Education Leadership. He was actively involved in several professional organizations, including the Mid-Atlantic Placement Association, Mid-Atlantic Association for School, College, and University Staffing, the Black Faculty and Administrators Association of New York University, and the Education Administration Round Table of NYU.

John was a talented and accomplished musician who played the jazz trumpet, trombone, and flute. He performed for many years on the Latin/Jazz club circuit and was also a member of the Hermanos Colon Band. Beyond music, John loved the New York Jets, enjoyed trips to the movie theater with his children, and spent time playing Wordscapes on his cell phone. Known for his signature phrases, "Never let them see you sweat" and "I'm peachy," John left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

Visitation will be held 4-7pm on Thursday, November 7, 2024 at the Bermingham Funeral Home, 216 S. Main St., Wharton, NJ 07885.

A funeral service will be held 7pm on Thursday after the visitation at the funeral home.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mr. Johnson Go Fund Me would be greatly appreciated at Mr. John Johnson Go Fund Me Page  Even a small donation could help Raul Collado reach their fundraising goal. And if you can't make a donation, it would be great if you could share the fundraiser to help spread the word.  Thanks for taking a look!

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 9:30 am at St. John Chrysostom School, 1144 Hoe Ave., Bronx, NY 10459. The Johnson family deeply appreciates all the love and support that John received in the last weeks of his life.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Augustus Johnson, please visit our floral store.