Sunrise November 14, 1930 - Sunset November 26, 2017 A life well spent ended as Len went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, November 26, 2017. He was the husband of his loving and supportive wife, Doris (Gunsten) Johnson for 63 years. Born to Axel and Gertrude (Grant) Johnson in Manchester where he grew up. He was proud to be a descendent of Ulysses Grant. Len lived in Ellington for 57 years where he and Doris raised their family. Three loving and caring children will miss him deeply, Paul and his wife Candee of Middletown, Nancy and John Whiton of South Windsor, and Jane Sullivan of Ellington. His six grandchildren meant the world to him, Alexis, Collin and his wife Laura, Drew, Kelsey, Madison, and Mackenzie, who were the light of his life. No more Saturday morning donuts from Gerry's or the hand-made birthday cards he made for his family. He also leaves special family in-laws, Carol and Jack Sullivan, Norma and Don Wirta, both of Ellington, Don and Deb Gunsten of Tennessee, and Betty Johnson of Glendale, Arizona. He leaves many nieces and nephews and their children as well as many cousins for whom he cared deeply. Christmas Eve family smorgasbord brought together almost fifty family members. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister and her husband, Dorothy and John Snuffer, his brother, Lt. Colonel Clifford Johnson, USAF Retired, and his nephew, Eric Johnson. Len was a proud graduate of Manchester High School in 1948 and continued his education at Hillyer College (University of Hartford). He retired from Pratt and Whitney Aircraft as a Design Project Engineer where he worked for 38 years. He proudly served his country in the Naval Air Service where he completed two tours of duty during the Korean War flying night attack missions against enemy targets in North Korea off the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Princeton. He earned several commendations and citations including the Air Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1953. He was deeply patriotic and very proud of his military contribution to this country. He was an active member of the Hatheway-Miller Post 62 of the American Legion, serving as Commander of the Post from 1985 - 1990. He was the Post Chaplin for the past 20 years. Len served the Town of Ellington in various volunteer positions for 40 years, including the Board of Selectmen, Chair of the Recreation Commission throughout the 1970's, played an instrumental role in the development of Brookside Park, Chairman of the Permanent Building Committee, and Chairman of the Board of Assessment Appeals from 1992 - 2000. He was a past president of the Ellington Little League, umpire and coach of the boys' Little League, and coach of the boys' recreation basketball. He was a volunteer case worker for the Soldiers', Sailors', and Marines' Fund for 16 years, assisting veterans and their widows who were facing difficult financial times due to illness or loss of work. During retirement, he volunteered at Habitat for Humanity for seven years, at which time he helped provide homes for eight families in Vernon, two in Manchester, and two in Hartford. With the skills he learned, he put an addition on the back of his Ellington home, doing all of the work, with the help of a Habitat friend. In 2007, Len was honored by the Town of Ellington by his election to the Wall of Honor located at Arbor Park in Ellington Center. His volunteer efforts and acts of charity served countless causes and individuals. As Santa Claus, Len visited countless children for 56 years. He took great pleasure bringing joy to hundreds of families the week before Christmas. Since his retirement in 1993, Len and Doris have traveled across the country attending reunions of his Navy squadron, which started the year he retired. This gave them the chance to tour most of the States. He served as president and vice president of the group for ten years. He served as president of the Manchester Jaycees and as a State vice president. He was an active member of Emanuel Lutheran Church, Manchester, and served in many leadership positions over a period of 60 years. He served as a Justice of the Peace for 30 years, during which time he married over 100 couples. Len thanks all those he encountered for their friendship and support. He leaves us in the same quiet way in which he lived. He will be remembered for his kindness and friendship to all he encountered. The strength, wisdom, and support he provided to all members of his family will be profoundly missed. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2017 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Road (Route 83), Vernon. A funeral service will be held at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 60 Church Street, Manchester on Monday, December 4, 2017 at 11AM. Burial will follow in Ellington Center Cemetery with military honors. Memorial donations may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church, 60 Church Street, Manchester, CT 06040 or to Habitat for Humanity, 75 Charter Oak Avenue B-2, Suite 205, Hartford, CT 06106. For online condolences and guest book, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com
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Dear Doris & family,
I was greatly saddened to learn of Len's passing. He was a tremendous individual and Lily and I always enjoyed our interactions with him. He brought joy to all, while your marriage provided an inspiration for us all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Laurel Richie
December 5, 2017
My sympathies to the family. Len was a great guy and an asset to our town.
Will miss seeing him out and about....
Jamy Magdefrau
December 4, 2017
Len was a fellow squadron mate(VC-35).Knew him only as the President of our Association until while at one of our reunions, he & Doris gave us a ride to dinner one evening. During that ride, we found that we were married on the same day & year. The Johnsons earlier in the day & the Flanagans in the evening. We have exchanged cards from then until present. I know that he will be missed. Condolences Doris & Family.
John Flanagan
Military
December 3, 2017
Dear Doris and Family,
I was so sorry to hear about Len's death. He was so kind, such a gentle man, in everything he did. May God's Peace be with you. You are all in my prayers. Susan Plese
December 1, 2017
What a guy! Had many interactions with Lenny over the years, little league, brookside, Santa; he was always there when something needed to get done. Good man who had a full and bountiful life. Sorry for your loss Doris.
George & Mary MAGNUSON
December 1, 2017
To the kindest man I ever knew. Always had a smile on you face and made everyone feel welcome. You will be missed.
Kevin Suliivan
December 1, 2017
I knew Len as a kind and really good man. Though I didn't know of his many amazing accomplishments until reading his obituary, I can guarantee he would say that his crowning achievement was his family. His love for his wife, children and grandchildren was always evident. His was a life completely fulfilled. My condolences to his entire family.
Mark Limberger
November 30, 2017
November 30, 2017
November 30, 2017
A wonderful person. He gave so much to so many. I will miss his presence here on Earth. Love & hugs to Dorothy. Jamie (Peckham)
November 30, 2017
My deepest sympathy to Doris and the Johnson family, my payers are with you.
BOB COULOMBE
November 30, 2017
Madison and family,
Thinking of you during this time and sending prayers and wishing you peace!
From your Ellington Big Y family!
November 30, 2017
Sending love and condolences to Doris and family. Remembering Len fondly. So much appreciate the family ancestry book he compiled and shared with us. Those Grant men, including Len and my father, Earl, were very special gentlemen. We were lucky to have them. XO, Susan Grant-Nash.
Susan Grant-Nash
November 30, 2017
We were sad to learn of Len's passing. Our sincere sympathy to Doris and the rest of the Johnson family. He will be greatly missed!
Marti and Jim Eddy
November 30, 2017
Dearest Doris, Nancy and family: A true & faithful Servant has gone home. Len's endless passion and vounteer hours at church will be deeply missed as well as that Welcome hand shake. I am sure he was welcomed home with open & loving arms by those whom went before him. Peace & Love, PETER
Peter Baron-Krieger
November 30, 2017
Katie and I were saddened to hear of Len's passing. Our condolences to Doris and the family. He was a wonderful man to emulate, a great example for all.. You are in our prayers.
Martin McGuire
November 30, 2017
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