Keith B. Johnson

1933 - 2020

BORN

1933

DIED

2020

About

University of Connecticut

Keith Johnson Obituary

Keith Barnard Johnson, 87, of Mansfield Center, CT, Professor Emeritus at UCONN, passed peacefully at Windham Memorial Community Hospital, Friday (August 21, 2020). He was born January 5, 1933, in California, Pennsylvania, the youngest of four children to Everett Daniel Johnson and June (Barnard) Johnson. The family moved to Fredonia, New York in 1936. He earned his Bachelor of Science from Syracuse University/SUNY College of Forestry, his MBA and DBA from Washington University in St Louis and a CFA while teaching in Storrs at UCONN. He worked in the School of Business Administration for 34 years, and was the Head of the Finance Department for 12 years before his retirement in 1996. While he enjoyed his many professional accomplishments such as his time in Washington D.C. at the Securities and Exchange Commission as Staff Economist and his summers as a Ford Foundation Scholar at Harvard Business School, he was truly most proud of his work with all of his students at the University. Keith entered the military after college and served during the Korean Conflict in Japan and Korea. He spent the two years in the U.S. Army Counter Intelligence Corps, attaining the rank of Corporal before his honorable discharge. He enjoyed helping his community in many ways; serving on the Mansfield Town Council, the Fire and Safety Commission and being a Cub Scout Pack Leader. He had a knack for combining his hobbies with his community commitments, as evinced by his creation and organization (with Mom's substantial help!!) of the Keg Jog. For 18 years they held the road race/fundraiser/keg party that raised money for the WCMH Auxiliary. He also devoted significant time to Joshua's Trust and The Mansfield Historical Society. Besides his academic and civic accomplishments he took great joy in listening to Dixieland Jazz, jogging and walking, crossword puzzles, traveling, reading newspapers and spending time with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marietta (Welch) and their two sons, Seth Yen and his wife Brandy of Denville, N.J. and their children Hunter and Willow; Brad and his wife Sandi of New Canaan, CT and their children Logan, Riley and Larson. Additionally he leaves his sister and brother-in-law Ruth and Bill Sabey and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law Helen and William Locke and his brother Wally. A celebration of Keith's life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Keith to the Keith B. Johnson Student Emergency Award or the Thomas J. O'Brien Finance PhD Fund in Honor of Keith B. Johnson with a check sent payable to the UConn Foundation Inc. and a memo of the fund name: The UConn Foundation, Inc. Attn: Data Services 2390 Alumni Dr., Unit 3206 Storrs, CT 06269-3206 or to: Joshua's Trust PO Box 4 Mansfield Center, CT 06250

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Published by Hartford Courant on Aug. 24, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Keith Johnson

Sponsored by the family.

11 Entries

Dogan TIRTIROGLU

August 20, 2025

I am sharing pictures from a priceless personal gift from Dr Johnson. I've been keeping with me for decades. We send our love to the Johnson family. KJ and you all are always in our thoughts.

John T. Maciulewski

August 26, 2021

Professor Keith B. Johnson was one of the most
outstanding instructors I've ever had, and I was very
pleased to know him during my years studying at
UConn.

Lisa & Russ Taylor

September 13, 2020

We were saddened to hear of Keith's passing. As longtime neighbors, we fondly remember the many conversations we had with him. We also remember a famous ice storm many years ago where we spent hours helping each other chop away the ice on our driveways. Keith was a kind and generous man with a keen sense of humor. We loved hearing about the trips he and his wife took. He will be missed.

Roxane Veneziano

September 8, 2020

Sending my condolences to the family and friends of Professor Johnson. I have fond memories of Professor Johnson from years at UCONN, and am certain that he will be missed by all. May he Rest in Peace.

Dogan TIRTIROGLU

August 31, 2020

I have learned with deep sadness that one of my dear friends and mentors, Prof. Keith Johnson (known to us close to him as KJay), is not going to be physically present with us anymore. May he rest in peace.

He and his warm memories will continue to be present in our hearts and cherish us in years to come. I will always remember his wonderful smile; great dedication to his family, his friends, UConn, and his community. My brother, Ercan, my wife, Aynur, and I send our heart-felt condolences to Mrs. Johnson and their sons, Seth and Brad, and their families and to all of KJay’s friends all over the world.

Edward Klonoski

Planted Trees

Ed Klonoski, President

August 26, 2020

On behalf of Charter Oak State College, I wish to extend my sympathies to Keith's family. Over a large number of years Keith served on the Charter Oak faculty, its governance group, and in many other capacities. We are forever grateful for his service and his positive attitude. It is my hope that the sadness associated with his passing will soon lift and be replaced by happy memories. You are in our hearts and prayers today.

Mohamed Hussein

August 25, 2020

Dear Marietta and Sons it is with great sadness I received the news of the passing of KJay passing. KJay’s passing is a great loss not only to the finance department but to the school of business, and the university. KJay was a leader whose contributions were beyond the finance department. He was also a community leader. He organized an annual race to raise money for the hospital and several other local charities.

KJay was one of the first colleagues outside the accounting department to reach out to me and invite my family to his home. He is one of those who created the special the friendly culture of the school. In his passing I lost a friend, a mentor and a role model. His legacy will stay forever.

Mo Hussein

richard kochanek

August 24, 2020

Keith Johnson was always a valued mentor and inspiration for both UConn students and UConn faculty/staff. When I joined UConn in 1972 as an Accounting professor, Keith Johnson in the Finance Department welcomed me warmly. From that moment on he always gave me sound and valuable advice. This was not a rare event, Keith did this for everyone. His dedication and love for UConn was always without limit. Together with his lovely wife Marietta, they were a welcoming committee for everyone.
Keith was a very thoughtful person who reflected carefully before stating an opinion. His judgement and actions were always completely fair to all.
His thinking and decisions were always clear and impartial. Everyone looked up to him and sought him out for personal advice. I feel so fortunate to have worked with Keith for so many years at UConn. Bless Keith and his entire family as we all try to honor his memory, his significant accomplishments, and warmest friendship.

With deepest sympathy and healing prayers,

Dick Kochanek

John Maciulewski

August 24, 2020

Hi, I'm Mr. John T. Maciulewski from New Britain, CT.I just found out
about the passing of your beloved relative, Professor Keith Johnson.
Actually, Professor Johnson was one of my UConn MBA business school
evening course professors, from about thirty-five years ago. The
specific course I took from him was FNCE 306-Management of
Financial Institutions. I extend my deepest sympathies and condolences
to all of you on your loss. God bless all of you, and everyone please
stay safe and healthy too! Sincerely, Mr. John T. Maciulewski

Linda Roberts Crockett

August 24, 2020

I worked in the UConn School of Businness Finance Dept as Secretary for Keith and other faculty. (Mid-late 70s) He was always a kind person and a caring Professor. Very respected by all. My deepest sympathy to the family.

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