Mortimer S. Johnson

Mortimer S. Johnson of Danbury, formerly of Redding, passed away at his home October 26, 2018. Dr. Johnson was born Feb 4, 1920 in Kensington, CT son of Ruth A. Saunders and David O. Johnson, Sr. He was the youngest of three children. Martha Warner, his wife of 54 years, predeceased him.

He grew up in his maternal grandfather’s home in South Norwalk after his father’s early death in 1921 He attended Norwalk public schools then went on to graduate from Danbury Teacher’s College in 1942. He also earned an M.A. from Yale University, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from the University of Bridgeport and his Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut.

Besides being a classroom teacher, Dr. Johnson spent a few years in special education, twenty-two years as an elementary school principal and one year as a Title 1 Director. He was a member of local, state and national education associations, elementary principal associations and was a member of the New England Reading Association. He retired from public education in 1977.
During his four years of college, he was active in music activities and continued these activities throughout his life. He was a bass soloist in churches for over 75 years. He sang in many churches in Fairfield County, two in Florida, two in Sweden and participated in the Choir Festival in Ocean Grove, NJ numerous times.

Dr. Johnson was active in the Boy Scouts of America for over 40 years. He was an experienced camper from sea level to 13,000 feet and from +95F to -10F He spent many years in adult leadership training.

He is survived by two children; David W Johnson and his wife Carol of Wells, VT and his daughter Karin A Taylor, her husband Don, their children William and his partner, Marissa Coolidge of Colchester, VT, Nathaniel (Than) his daughter Madison and his wife, Kristen of W. Roxbury, MA and Matthew his wife Samantha and their sons Lucas and Nicholas of Danbury. He also leaves several nephews, nieces and cousins.

Dad to us, Pop-Pop to his grandchildren and simply called “Great” by his great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, a contribution to your favorite charity is encouraged. We were blessed to have Dad with us for so many years. Flowers don’t last but memories do. Please spend extra time with those closest to you. Make a phone call, write a letter. Even after almost 99 years life is too short.

Memorial services will be held at the First Church of Christ, Congregational, 25 Cross Highway, Redding, CT 06896 on December 8, 2018 at 1:00 PM. Interment of ashes will be at the convenience of the family.  

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