HOWARD JOHNSON

1920 - 2015

JOHNSON, HOWARD R. Howard R. Johnson, 95, of Branford, died Wednesday March 4, 2015 at Connecticut Hospice. He was the husband of the late Marjorie Gesner Johnson. Mr. Johnson was born in New Haven, January 25, 1920, son of the late Adolph G. and Edna Robbins Johnson. He was a graduate of Yale University, Class of 1942, where he was a four time All-American swimmer, and captain of the 1942 team. In 1942 Yale won its first NCAA Swimming Championship with Howard winning the 100 and 220 Yard freestyle events. He tied the longstanding 100 Yard freestyle world record held by Johnny Weissmuller and later auditioned for the role of Tarzan. Mr. Johnson served as a First Lieutenant in the U. S. Navy in World War II where he was stationed in Hawaii, and never forgot the honor of taking Charles Lindberg snorkling. He was the owner of Bellmore Johnson Tool Co. in Hamden, until retiring in 1993. He was very family oriented and loved taking his family on Caribbean vacations. A member of the Branford Sports Hall of Fame, he was a longtime member of the Branford Yacht Club, and was an avid fisherman, lobsterman and general outdoorsman. Mr. Johnson is survived by his daughters, Linae (Robert) Schroeder, Tina (David) Iaccarino, and Deb (Bob) Ceccolini, all of Branford; 9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and his live-in aide, Doris McMillan. He was predeceased by a brother, Robert E. Johnson. Funeral services and burial will be private at the convenience of his family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405. For online guest book, see www.wsclancy.com.