Obituary of Donald Leo Johnson

Donald Leo Johnson, age 94, of 3965 Conable Avenue, Cortland passed away peacefully on November 2, 2016 at home with family by his side. Born February 3, 1922, the oldest child of Harry and Bess McGuire Johnson, Don was a life-long resident of the Johnson family dairy farm in Cortland. Don was a graduate of one of the earliest classes of Saint Mary's High School and a communicant of Saint Mary's Church serving as an usher for many years, as well as a dish washer in the Saint Mary's School cafeteria. In addition to being a life-long farmer and gardener renowned for his exceptional Johnson family sweet corn stand, he was a long term member of the Knights of Columbus, a rural mail carrier for three decades, and an avid fan of the Orangemen, Yankees, Giants, and Fighting Irish. Don was blessed with an unwavering, exceptionally positive outlook. His constant smile, love of laughter and dedication to gardening kept his family and friends well fed on every level. He found much to be grateful for as he worked well into his 90's enjoying his garden, nature, family, friends, and his home. Don was predeceased by his sister, Aileen Johnson. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Judith Davis Johnson; his sister, Mary Metcalf of Phoenix, AZ; his brother, Robert (Mary) Johnson of Dayton, OH; and the joy of his life, his four children and their families: Maureen (Tim) Alger and sons, Joshua and David; Julie (Jason) Wright and daughter, Ruby; Amy (David) Mittelstadt; and Tim (Megan) Johnson and sons, Lucas and Noah. Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 4, 2016 from 4 - 6 pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave, Cortland, NY 13045. A memorial service celebrating Don's life will be held at Saint Mary's Church on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Saint Mary's School or Church, 59 N Main St, Cortland, NY 13045.