Nicholas Michael Johnson

Nicholas Michael Johnson, 27, of West Hartford died Monday, (February 3, 2003) at Saint Francis Hospital as the result of an injury sustained in a car accident. Nick is the beloved son of Patrick J. and Marjorie F. Johnson of West Hartford and the loving brother of Nathaniel James Johnson. He is also survived by his grandmother, Joyce A. Farrell of Naugatuck; his "grandfather", Tony Lambo of Waterbury; his aunt and uncle, Jane and Horia Metiu of Santa Barbara, CA; and his cousin Michael Metiu of Berkley, CA; his aunt, Mary Finnegan of East Hartford; and his uncles, Joseph Farrell of Naugatuck, and Francis Farrell of Mansfield. He also leaves his great aunts, uncles, and cousins in the extended Farrell, Johnson, and Doran families in the U.S. and Ireland. His girlfriend, Erin Raymond had a chance to say goodbye as did his friend, Derrick Morander, his friend, Matthew Desmaris; his "Aunt Linda and Uncle Dick" as well as many other close friends and colleagues. Nick graduated among the top in his class at Conard High School, then went on to pursue a bachelor's degree at the University of Virginia and later a master's degree from the University of Hartford. He was currently employed by Cigna Corp. and had previously worked as an auditor for Ernst & Young. He loved his family and friends, was generous to a fault and lived life to the fullest. Music was a great interest throughout Nick's life, taking him all the way to Carnegie Hall as a violinist with the elite group, I Giovani Solisti. He also played guitar and was a tremendous athlete. He excelled at everything he did, and did it with intense passion. His latest passion was his motorcycle on which he completed numerous cross-country trips and even aspired to race professionally. He was a strong competitor yet the gentlest of souls. Reading was a great pleasure of his as he sought always to sustain a healthy mind in a strong body. We will cherish the memories of this wonderful son and brother with whom we were all blessed. Most of all he loved and was loved. Nick's family wishes to thank all their friends, colleagues, and neighbors for their thoughtfulness and support during his brief illness. A special note of gratitude to all Saint Francis Hospital staff: custodians, receptionists, nurses, physicians assistants, doctors and administrators, whose excellent professional care and compassion sustained Nick and all his family during the past days. Memorial gifts may be sent to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Hartford, 467 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield, CT 06002 or the CT Institute for the Blind/Oak Hill, 120 Holcomb St., Hartford, CT 06112. Nick is an organ donor and we encourage others to do the same. A Mass in celebration of his life will be held at St. Peter Claver Parish, 47 Pleasant St., West Hartford on Friday, February 7 at 10 a.m. Burial will be private. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at the Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, 136 South Main St., West Hartford.