Thomas Harvey "Tom, Bampa" Johnson Jr.

1934 - 2024

Thomas Harvey "Tom, Bampa" Johnson Jr

Contoocook, NH - Contoocook, NH

Thomas Harvey "Tom, Bampa" Johnson Jr. passed peacefully with family by his side on August 7, 2024. Born on July 24, 1934, in Concord, NH, the son of the late Thomas H. Johnson Sr. and Isabelle M. Downs Johnson, Tom was a lifelong resident of the town of Hopkinton.

Tom attended elementary and high school in Hopkinton, graduating from Hopkinton High School in 1952. He went on to attend the University of New Hampshire in Durham, graduating in 1956. On June 19, 1954, while still in college, Tom married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Beverly Ann Martin.

Tom's work ethic was evident from a young age. He began working with his father on the Sand Bank Farm truck route, helping with milk deliveries. As he got older, he worked for G.W. Van Dommele's florist shop alongside his close friend Tom Leavitt and then worked at Martin's Garage performing small mechanical tasks and pumping gas. Tom taught history at Simonds Free High School in Warner and painted houses during the summer months. In the early sixties he began installing septic systems for OD Hopkins. He later began his insurance career for Metropolitan Life, serving clients across multiple towns. Then he started Johnson & Porter Insurance Agency in 1979.

A committed public servant, Tom served as a Selectman for the Town of Hopkinton from 1966 to 1980 and was elected Town Clerk in 1981, holding the position for 18 years. He was known for his dedication to his role. Tom also served as a Justice of the Peace, performing countless marriage ceremonies in a variety of settings for family and friends. Tom loved that he had the opportunity to unite two hearts together.

Tom loved sports and coaching kids. He was part of the UNH track and field team, played in the Sunset Baseball League in Concord, the Contoocook Men's Softball League, and the Henniker Men's Basketball League. He coached Contoocook Hot Shots Baseball, Hopkinton Community Center 7th and 8th grade boys basketball in the Merrimack Valley Basketball League, JV boys baseball for John Stark High School, and co-coached Hillsboro-Deering High School jv girls basketball and varsity softball with his son Tom.

Tom was active member of the Hopkinton Community Center for decades, Contoocook Grange #216, a 25+ year member of the Horace Chase Lodge #72, and an Honorary Kentucky Colonel. He served in numerous capacities within the Odd Fellows Lodge #23 for several decades. He was Grand Master 1980-1982, a Trustee at Presidential Oaks from 1984-2013, Vice President from 1991-2003 and President from 2003-2013. His tenure also included serving as Chairman of the Visual Research Foundation of the Sovereign Grand Lodge.

Among Tom's many likes were spending time in Pittsburg, watching and talking the Boston Red Sox, fishing, gardening, reading, dancing, horses, farming, snowmobiling, motorcycling, camping, and home cooking. He was known for his love of conversation and cherished reconnecting with old friends and learning about their lives and future goals.

Above all, Tom's greatest love was his family. He spent countless hours discussing family history with his dad and exploring sites related to past generations. He eagerly looked forward to family gatherings, dining with loved ones, and fishing with his grandsons. He also enjoyed perfecting batting stances with his granddaughters and attended numerous sports games and activities for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Tom rarely missed a game, concert, play or recital, often traveling between events to support his family.

Whether known as Thomas, Tom, Dad, or Bampa, Tom made a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was a beloved member of his community, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, service, and profound love for his family.

Tom is survived by his three children, daughter Sharon B. Johnson Prescott and Peter of Contoocook, daughter Judith L. Johnson Blanchard and Bob of Pittsburg, son Thomas E. Johnson Sr. and Dionne of Warner, Lori Johnson of Pittsfield, six grandchildren to whom he was known as "Bampa", grandson Corey A. Prescott and Stacie of New London, granddaughter Stephanie Marx and Chris of Hillsborough, granddaughter Jaime L. Stone and Ryan of Kennesaw, GA, granddaughter Heather A. Prescott and Tim of Manchester, granddaughter Catherine A. McGrail and Tom of Goffstown, grandson Thomas E. Johnson Jr. and Pietra of Warner. Bampa's blessings were his twelve great grandchildren, Alexis Rancloes, Savannah Stone, Luke Holste, Cooper Morrison, Mason Prescott, Jordyn Goodwin, Parker Prescott, Morgan Prescott, Wyatt Morrison, Reid Stone, Sawyer Prescott, and Emersyn McGrail. His littlest blessing, great great granddaughter Alani Ahola.

He is also survived by his niece Deborah A. Johnson Heitmeier and Ken of Arlington, TX, nephew Frank C. Johnson of ME, cousin Nancy L. Clark and Joe of Boscawen, sister-in-law Bev Johnson of Dunnellon, FL.

Tom was predeceased by his wife of 64 years Beverly A. "Bev" Martin Johnson, daughter Tracy Hope Johnson, father Thomas H. "Bamp" Johnson Sr., mother Isabelle M. "Izzy" Downs Johnson, brother Frank D. Johnson, sister Marion A. Johnson, granddaughter Jennifer L. "Jen" Johnson, grandson Edward E. "Little E" Johnson, sister-in-law Sandra A. "Sandy" Johnson, niece Barbara A "Barbie" Johnson Ryba, aunt Elsie Maki, uncle Oliver Johnson, uncle John Johnson, cousin Olive Ryan, cousin Clint Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday September 12th from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at the American Legion Hall in Contoocook. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

The Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home & Cremation Service Hillsboro, NH is assisting the family.

Full version of this obituary can be read at the Celebration of Life.

For more log on to www.holtwoodburyfh.com

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