Ira "Fonzo" Johnson, 73, died Saturday April 9, 2016. Ira was a graduate of Roosevelt High School class of 1960, after graduating he attended Wiley College before entering into the U.S. Army in the summer of 1961. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve and completed his military duty in 1961. Ira was a former correspondent for WGN-TV for "Issues Unlimited", as a news reporter for WLS radio and an instructor at Columbia College at night. Ira is preceded in death by his parents Ira Johnson and Clifton Shutes and sisters Marva Coutee-Meeks, Shirley Williams and baby girl Johnson. He is survived by 2 siblings Eddie Johnson and Cassandra Johnson; nephew Julius Roscoe Johnson; dear friend and caregiver Debbie Smith and niece, Florence Johnson; longtime friends Ariel Anderson, Carla Box, Dorothy Jones, Gwendolyn Turner West and a host of other family and friends. Memorial services Friday, April 15, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Guy & Allen Chapel.

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Published by Post-Tribune on Apr. 13, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Ira Johnson

22 Entries

Roscoe

April 7, 2025

You are truly missed time keeps moving 9 years has come and gone Miss You and those pies lol .

Charlene G

April 7, 2020

I had the pleasure of meeting Ira when I moved back to Gary for a while several years ago. I enjoyed my times with him as he was full of wisdom and humor. I especially enjoyed being with him in his garden as we both shared our love of gardening! Peace to his family and friends!!! Charlene

February 25, 2019

I was very sadden to hear of my friends passing. I worked at WCFL during the time he was at WLS. We had some great Times during the late 60s and 70s. Miss you Ira.
George COLLINS

Felicia Moore

December 15, 2017

Ira I Man Baby I am so so sorry to come back home to look you to find out you have passed on to be home with our Heavenly Father. You are loved and so very missed. Love one of your best friends Felicia Moore

Sharon Buaas

January 28, 2017

I've only just learned of Ira's death. He was a very special friend to me for over 40 years. My heart breaks to know that I missed saying goodbye.

Charlene Grant

April 30, 2016

I wish I had kept in touch with you as you were ALWAYS nice to me. I am glad to have known you!

Markel Lewis

April 19, 2016

To my big cousin Fonzo and Family in Gary,In I love u and shall remember always. Family will b praying for you

April 15, 2016

"To Julius (Roscoe) Johnson and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
-Shirelle C.

malynthia Daniels

April 13, 2016

Mr. Ira you was a very good friend to me. I was thinking about you a lot lately and been wanting call you but i always got side tracked with pregnancy and all and I was waiting till your birthday to call you and talk like old times and tell you the baby came early but I was to late to to to late. Im mad at myself for calling sooner. Im so so so so sorry. My heart really broken and I didn't know you was ill I would've love to had seen you. I still have the pics of you flowers you sent to my phone. You called son south Park cause of his green coat. I have much memories. I'm just so sorry I didn't get to see you before you passed. By the way you would've loved the new baby. I m going miss you a lot LOVE YOU MR IRA MY YOU REST IN PIECE

Valarie Daniels

April 13, 2016

You were truly and amazing friend I will cherish that forever.

gwendolyn turner west

April 13, 2016

you will always remain in our hearts gwen gia gwennie bria little barry and barry sr.

April 13, 2016

It is said that when you cry, you cry alone but that isn't true. The sadness you are feeling is felt by loved ones around you. GOD BLESS the family Gwendolyn Hemphill, Glenn Trammell & family

Anonymous

April 13, 2016

Blessings to the family...

Ange Barsocchi

April 13, 2016

My condolences to Debbie and the Johnson family. May Ira rest in peace...AMEN.

He may be lost from this lifetime, but Ira will not be lost forever. All the great memories will keep him alive in your hearts for years to come.

Minnie Brown

April 13, 2016

You will remain always in our hearts...
Pam
Tracy
Minnie
Bob

Minietta Nelson

April 13, 2016

To Eddie Johnson & Family,

Sorry to hear about the lost of your love one. May God comfort you at this time of bereavement.

Mellisa (Lisa) Williams- Tucker

April 13, 2016

To the Johnson Family:my condolences to you. .Ira was like family to me.He was a kind and great person to call a friend. .He will be truly missed. .In remembrance of you. Your friend/family ..Mellisa..

Debbie Smith

April 13, 2016

You have been the best friend I have ever had since I was 16 years old. You always meant the world to me. I was proud to help you the last few months of your life. You will always be in my heart. Iove you and will miss you very much. Until we are together again. Always. Debbie Smith

Julius Johnson

April 13, 2016

We love you Uncle Fonzo but we know you are home with the lord,Nanny and Marva God needed a radio host with gardening skills to help with his radio station and flowers plus he wanted some of those good pies for the passover meal RIP no more pain.