Obituary of Edward N. Johnson

CPO Edward N. Johnson, 76, of Lawrenceville, loving husband to Hazel Carter Johnson, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 16, 2020 surrounded by his family. In addition to his parents, Charles E. Johnson and Eleanor (Gutbrod) Johnson, he is predeceased by his daughter, Laura Smith, and his brother, Powell E. Johnson. Surviving in addition to his wife are his son, Edward Anthony Johnson, and daughter, Amy Nichole Schoener, three beloved grandchildren, Brandon Edward Schoener, Aubrey Nichole Schoener, and Gabriel Christie, and his three dedicated brothers and sisters-in-law in NJ, Richard and Patricia Johnson, Kenneth and Patricia Johnson, and Robert and Ann Marie Johnson. In addition, he leaves behind three brothers and sisters-in-law in NC, Betty and Bobby Thomas, Rachael Carter, and Burl and Earlene Carter, and many beloved nieces and nephews and their families. Born in Trenton, NJ during the Great Depression, Edward lived in the Eldridge Park neighborhood for many years before the family moved into the small community of Slackwood where he and his four brothers made countless memories playing baseball and soccer, sledding with their loyal St. Bernhard Brandy, and fishing in the creek. They never tired of new ways to get into trouble and the stories he shared of his brothers stirred laughter for many years to follow. He attended Trenton High and took great pride in his daily newspaper route. In July of 1960, Edward left the family home to enlist in the U.S. Navy, serving a distinguished 20 years and retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. During his tenure in the Navy, Edward had the opportunity to travel to many interesting places, serving on two battleships and ultimately was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC as a member of the 7th Fleet 3rd Marine Division where he served as a Dental Technician and Medic. After retiring, Edward continued his service to our country as a member of the Fleet Reserve. Edward was the recipient of many service awards. After completing 30 years of distinguished military service, he chose to dedicate the next 27 years to helping support fellow veterans through his employment at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Lyons, NJ. During his tenure at the VA hospital, he served on the United States Hazmat Decon Team and received specialized training to help protect against chemical and biological warfare. In addition, he was a long-time member and former Commander for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3022 and former member of the American Legion Post 414. A Life Member of Slackwood Volunteer Fire Company, Edward prided himself on over 30 years volunteer service as a fire policeman and a member of the New Jersey Fire Police Association supporting the safety of his brothers in the department. The department was a tight knit community that supported Edward and his family in countless ways through the years and he was proud to be associated with the dedicated members and their families. Funeral services will be held on Friday morning will be held at 10am at Lawrence Road Presbyterian Church 1039 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648. Interment will be held at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown. Calling hours for family and friends will be held on (Today) Thursday, February 20, 2020 from 5-8PM at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors, 650 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville. Fraternal organizations will begin services at 7pm, after which family and friends are invited to share their memories or thoughts. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Slackwood Volunteer Fire Department 21 Slack Ave, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648