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Henry Johnson Obituary
PITTSTON — Henry C. Johnson, a resident of Brooks Estates, Pittston, and formerly of Luzerne, died on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016, at the Wesley Village Rehabilitation Center.
He is survived by many friends, including Edwin Jameson, Gary Masters, Tom Evansew and Robert Reynolds. Born Feb. 8, 1918, in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late M. Stanley and Anne Cranston Johnson.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Malcolm, and his beloved partner of 50 years, David Hughes.
He and his family owned and operated the Henry C. Johnson Company, Luzerne; a lumber and hardware business for almost 100 years. Henry was a direct descendant of Luke Swetland, one of the early settlers in the Wyoming Valley. His great-great-great-grandfather, James Hughes, married Hannah Swetland.
He was a graduate of Wyoming Seminary Preparatory School, Kingston, class of 1936. He also attended Bucknell College (Wilkes University), Wilkes-Barre. He was a World War II U.S. Army Air Force veteran. His grandfather, Henry C. Johnson, was one of the founders of the Luzerne National Bank on whose board Henry served for 26 years. He was a member of the St. Clement and St. Peter Episcopal Church, Wilkes-Barre. Henry served on the board of the Luzerne County Historical Society.
He was active in the Mozart Club of Wilkes-Barre, the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, and the Pennsylvania Northeast Chapter of American Guild of Organists. He led an extraordinary life coming to know personally many of the great organists and organ builders of the 20th century, including Virgil Fox and G. Donald Harrison (of the Aeolian–Skinner Organ Company) among others. Henry was a walking encyclopedia of organ history and history in general, particularly the history of Wyoming Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania. He was a consultant of several organ rebuilding projects in the area.
He was an avid collector of antiques, especially clocks and also a railroad and trolley enthusiast. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017, from St. Clement and St. Peter Episcopal Church, Hanover St., Wilkes-Barre. Friends are requested to go directly to the Church. Interment will follow at the Forty Fort Cemetery. Friends may call 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, at the Simon S. Russin Funeral Home, 136 Maffett St., Plains Township.
Memorials may be sent to the St. Clement and St. Peter Episcopal Church, 165 Hanover St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Henry Johnson
6 Entries
Karen & John Zapotok
January 4, 2017
Today's service was a wonderfully heartfelt tribute to the life of Henry Johnson.The choir sounded fabulous! We were blessed to have sat in the pew, at St. Clement & St. Peter Church, just behind Henry and get to know him throughout the years. Through him we have gain many new lasting friendships. His gift of life will endure into the future! There are no coincidences in life. Godspeed Henry!
Will Worlinsky
January 4, 2017
R.I.P. my Friend . May perpetual Light shine upon you in God's Heavenly Country . Thoughts & Prayers always.
Jim Saenger
January 2, 2017
Henry Johnson did way more than his fare share to make this world a better place, for a very long time. He is a remarkable role model for so many, had style and the knowledge to apply it to every aspect of life and art. If Jerusalem was builded here, then Henry had the friction tape. What a privilege to have known such a wonderful man!
Lisa Mazzarella
January 2, 2017
What an honor it was to interview Mr. Johnson for Our Town Luzerne for WVIA a few years ago. His character, gentility, and breadth of knowledge was moving to me. How truly fortunate I felt knowing I was in the presence of a very special person. What a blessing our paths crossed!
January 1, 2017
RIP
Diane Mesaros
December 31, 2016
I have known Henry for thirty years.I cleaned his house in Luzerne and after I moved out of the area twenty years ago,I continued to clean for him even after he moved to Wesley Village.Henry was a most gracious,intelligent,generous man he was always very nice to me and I considered him a friend.I am deeply saddened by the news of his passing and will miss him very much.
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