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Erik Johanson Obituary
Erik G. Johanson passed away on Saturday, February 20 after a year-long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He passed days after his 71st birthday in the Tinton Falls home where he lived for most of his life, with his loving wife Sandy of 46 years, holding his hand.
Erik's career as an educator at Brookdale Community College spanned years from 1987 to his retirement in 2017. But Erik was much more - a true renaissance man - maker of art, with unlimited creativity in carpentry, sculpture, ceramics and boat-building to name a few. Erik was incredibly funny, kind, and devoted to his family, friends, many Black Labs, students and colleagues. When asked for help with anything - even the rare subject he wasn't familiar with - he volunteered with tools, humor and energy to tackle any challenge.
Prior to Brookdale, Erik worked as a freelance artist at Aesthetic Design/Flying Frog Productions and the Jeff Martin Studio. He earned his BFA in Sculpture from Drake University in 1972 and later entered graduate school to earn his MFA at Kean University in 2001.
Feeling this tremendous loss are his wife, Sandy; his nephew & niece, Mitch and Samantha Johanson, Cape Cod; cousins in FL, NC, TN and Norway; the entire greater Horan family; countless friends; and his two best canine pals, Obie and Romeo.
The Bongarzone Funeral Home is handling arrangements and a post-pandemic memorial is planned for the summer.
In lieu of flowers or food, please consider supporting the works of local artists or make a donation to the Hospice Program of the VNA of Central Jersey, 23 Main St, Suite D1, Holmdel, NJ.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Erik Johanson
Sponsored by Bongarzone Funeral Home.
3 Entries
Michael Conklin
March 2, 2021
Dear Erik,
On June 8, 2017, I wrote you an email entitled, "Farewell." It simply said:
"The creative light on Brookdale's campus will be much less bright without you here. Wishing you both a joyful retirement!"
Your Earthly light may have been extinguished, but your spirit will brilliantly burn for eternity.
Sandy, my deepest condolences to you. I can't fathom the depth of your loss. My heart is heavy for you and my prayers are with you.
Michael Conklin
Kathy Severini
February 25, 2021
Erik, The world is a grayer world since you have left us I see you in a Viking ship gently drifting home and leaving us behind to feel a little more lost.I ( and I speak for my husband George also),are so lucky to have called you friend, and we have so many fond and fun memories shared with you and Sandy . With love,for both you and Sandy.Kathy
Patricia Sherman Dumas
February 23, 2021
I am terribly sad to hear about Eric. Always a joy to talk to..and a keeper of the faith in the house he grew up in. I always think of him when I'm in my old town of New Shrewsbury and pass his house.. as I have for many many years. I know how terrible Pulm. Fibrosis is. My father had it before he passed. Long live Eric's spirit. Patricia Dumas
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