Edward H. Johnson

Edward H. Johnson, 91, of St. Petersburg, FL (and Warwick, RI) passed away on June 2nd surrounded by his loving family.

Ed was born on January 2, 1926 in Providence, RI, and was the son of the late Iver S. Johnson and Selma (Nelson) Johnson. He was predeceased by his 8 older siblings, Margaret, Walter, George, Everett, Ethel, Ralph, Bernhard and Rose.

Ed grew up in Cranston, RI, the city in which he would later raise his own family. Ed developed some of his personal traits, like his resilience, from the challenges he overcame growing up. He lost his mother when he was just a year old and beat typhoid fever at the age of 6.

At 17, Ed enlisted in the Navy to fight in World War II; he was stationed in the South Pacific and drove the Landing Craft Assault Boats that transported troops from the ships to the shore. Upon his return from the war, he took an entry level job at New England Telephone and eventually was leading the equipment installation unit for the state of RI.

In his 20’s, Ed spent many days and nights at Matununk Beach. It was there in 1956 that he met his wife, Beverly Potter, whom he married a year later. Their love of the beach led them to get a place on the Buttonwoods Campground in Warwick, RI. Buttonwoods was a real constant in Ed and Bev’s lives. They brought their family there every summer and continued to use Buttonwoods as their summer home after relocating to St. Petersburgh, FL.

Ed’s greatest passion and focus, by a wide margin, was always his family; nothing gave him more joy and a sense of purpose than watching his children and later his grandchildren thrive in their pursuits. His devotion to his wife and to his family was a source of inspiration for all who had the opportunity to see it.

Big Ed, as referred to by many, will also be remembered as a legendary quahogger always willing to share his day’s impressive haul with others; a guy with a “green thumb” who could successfully grow anything in his gardens; and a guy who had the skill and patience to fix, build or assemble just about anything. Finally, Ed amazed and inspired us all with the way he was still going out on his 7 mile walks at the age of 88 and easily making new friends at each and every one of the coffee shops he frequented on these walks. Ed’s genuine interest in others and his willingness to listen more than he talked left lasting impressions on all who crossed paths with him.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Beverly Johnson; along with five children, Dave and Suzi Johnson of Needham, MA; Donna and Joe Haley of North Kingston, RI; Danny and Sharon Johnson of Libertyville, IL; Diane and Jay Guadagni of East Greenwich, RI; and Eddie and Kathleen Johnson, also of East Greenwich. In addition he is survived by 13 grandchildren whom he admired and loved so dearly; Erik, Nicole and Mikaela Johnson; Jessica, Joe and Cameron Haley; Kristie and Ryan Johnson; Hannah, James and Michael Guadagni; and Molly and Ella Johnson; and 1 great granddaughter, Lyla Callahan.

At his request, Ed’s burial services will be limited to just his immediate family. There will be a gathering of his family and friends to celebrate Ed’s life on Sunday July 9th. The event will take place from 1-4PM at BLU On The Water, 20 Water Street, East Greenwich, RI.