Arthur H. Johnson

88, of Hemlock Dr., Holden died Sunday, April 27, 2008 in his daughter's home on Walnut Street in Holden surrounded by his loving family. His wife of 64 years, Loretta (Gaffney) Johnson, died in July of 2006. He leaves two sons, David L. Johnson and his wife Mary Ellen of Stratford, CT and Stephen L. Johnson and his wife Karin of Charlton; a daughter, Barbara A. Desmarais of Holden; a brother, former New Hampshire State Senator, Carl R. Johnson of Meredith, NH; 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and 8 nephews and nieces. He was born and raised in the Plains section of Winchester, son of Arthur R. and Eva (McKee) Johnson. He moved to Holden in 1955. He was a 1938 graduate of Winchester High School and was a three-sport varsity athlete excelling in football, basketball and baseball. The day after graduation, his baseball career started with the Erie Sailors of the Eastern League and then the Hartford, CT Senators. He was a major league pitcher for the Boston Bee's, later known as the Boston Braves from 1940-1942. In 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving as a Yeoman Second Class aboard the USS Langley, CVL-27 in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre. After his military service, he returned to play baseball before retiring in 1946. He worked in the insurance industry for many years, retiring as Owner and President of H. Lincoln Harrison Insurance Agency in Worcester. He was a member and past president of the Insurance Agents Association and a longtime board member of the Mass. Property and Fair Plan Insurance Underwriting Associations. Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 1st, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., HOLDEN. The funeral for Mr. Johnson will be held on Friday, May 2nd, from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 114 Princeton St., Jefferson. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Holden. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress St., 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210. www.milesfuneralhome.com