Philip Johnson

Father Phil married us 56 years ago on February 21, 1969 at St Maria Goretti. He will always remembered for is sense of humor. Rest in Peace Father Phil until we meet again in paradise.

Fr Phil married us in 1969 at St Maria Gorretti Catholic Church in Arlington. He was the one to show Cheryl the reason for converting to the Catholic faith. He was loved and is missed. Good bless you Father Phil.

You are missed, dear friend! Think of you so very often, some times with tears, sometimes with smiles and sometimes with hearty laughter.....

Msgr Philip Johnson you are missed more each day. You were the best Priest I have ever known. No one can replace you. You were friendly, funny, caring to everyone. You are missed more than words can say. Rest In Peace my dear Msgr. and most of all friend.

I work for a Catholic School in the Houston area and am blessed to be able to share memories I have of Father Philip with my students. His legacy lives on!

Fr. Johnson made me and my family feel welcome the first time we attended services at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in 1976. He was a wonderful caring man. We still miss him.

Father Phil ,. always remembered in my life as my dear close friend from long ago high school days . I honor his memory.

You are missed

Nothing like being a dollar short and a day late... But here goes. Father Johnson RIP. As a kid, you go to mass with your family. In 1974 we moved to Texas and found the closest....onliest Catholic church in Arlington... St Maria Goretti. After a while we heard of a NEW parish was forming... closer to our home and a young vibrant cool-guy priest. Now mind you, I was about 10-12 y/o at this time so I went with the flow. I remember mass at the K of C hall with folding chairs...a time or two mass at Father Johnson's House. Then when the first church opened. .. good times. during these times I grew older, and as we all do moved away. But came back..... Father Phil married my wife and I... in the "new church" .... he baptized all 3 of my children, and he presided at my Dad's funeral. He would have done the same for my Mom but he was too ill... BUT.... although I didn't see him, when Mom was in her last days in hospice and I went to see her as I did, there was something left with her that a visitor left. I know Fr J came by. I'm 50 y/o now... looking back ..I'm so blessed he was, and has been, and always will be a huge part of my faith journey. Thank you Father Philip Johnson, for being a part of my life and the Skarbek family. I'm sorry this message is sooooo late... but what can I say....blessings and peace Fr. Johnson.

I visited St. Michael Catholic Church, Bedford and was saddened to learn Msgr. Johnson has parted to be with The Lord. I spent some time this evening to share my wonderful memories of the then, Father Johnson at St. John's. He was so gentle and warm. "You left an impression on my heart to last a lifetime." I hope that you left knowing how special you were. God blessed us with you. Thank you.

Father Johnson was a great priest. Heaven has another saint.
Bill and Arlene Horrigan

Father Johnson was the priest I grew up with and I could talk to him about anything. Even boy problems when I was a teenager! My family joined St. Vincent's when there was just a handful of families. I went through my confirmation with Father Johnson and even after I moved to Atlanta, made sure I came home for him to marry my (Catholic) husband, Allan Hayes and me. Whenever I hear any of my Catholic friends who have fallen away from their faith and speak harshly of their upbringing in the Church, I am grateful I had a different experience due to Father Johnson and his gentle, kind and humorous nature. I tell them about Father Johnson and they wish they had grown up with him as well. He will be missed and I look forward to seeing him in Heaven. I will always tell my daughter Caitlin his Christmas story about the birds!

I did not know Father Johnson as well as others did, but through friends I have come to respect him as a Priest and Mentor.

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 855


In Memory
of
Philip Johnson

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and
commemorates the life of the Reverend Monsignor Philip Johnson,
who died April 20, 2013, at the age of 74; and
WHEREAS, Philip Louis Johnson was born May 25, 1938, in
Fairfield, Maine, to Thelma Murphy Johnson and Gordon Emmet; he
moved with his family to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex as a
young man and graduated from Arlington High School; he attended
the University of Dallas and Assumption Seminary and was ordained
into the priesthood in 1964 at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Dallas;
and
WHEREAS, Over the years, his pastoral assignments included
Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish in Dallas, Saint John the Apostle
Parish in North Richland Hills, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin
Mary Parish in Decatur, and Saint Mary Parish in Jacksboro; and
WHEREAS, He was the founding pastor of Saint Vincent de
Paul Parish in Arlington, and he served as pastor and pastor
emeritus of Saint Michael Parish in Bedford; in 2008, he was
appointed by His Holiness Benedict XVI as a Prelate of Honor to
His Holiness, with the title of Monsignor; and
WHEREAS, Over the course of his career, Monsignor Johnson
served in a variety of capacities; he was a diocesan youth
director and served as president of the Priests' Senate and as a
Marriage Tribunal advocate; his community activities included
service on the boards of the Arlington Night Shelter and
Arlington Memorial Hospital; and
WHEREAS, A man of courage, strength, and compassion, he
gave unselfishly to others, and his wisdom, valued counsel, and
enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest will not be
forgotten; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd
Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved
family of the Reverend Monsignor Philip Johnson; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas
Senate, and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in
memory of the Reverend Monsignor Philip Johnson.
Davis



________________________________
President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on May 9, 2013, by a
rising vote.



________________________________
Secretary of the Senate



________________________________
Member, Texas Senate

I love the fact that our dear friend was recognized by The State of Texas. I wanted this to be a part of our book.

Four Weddings and a funeral.....from Arlington all the way to Galveston and New Orleans. Yes, you were there when we needed you. PJ, you will be missed. Linda Falcon Borel

So enjoyed traveling with you and the choir to Europe. Miss your presence and very funny sense of humor!

Deepest condolences to the whole community of people whose lives Father Johnson touched and enriched. He married my husband and I. He was so welcoming and kind to my family and me who are not catholic. Thank you, Father Johnson, for showing me the heart of a true Christian. You will be dearly missed. Julie Abo (and Aaron Dominguez)

Msgr. Johnson was the first priest I ever met. I met him at the rectory with friend to talk about becoming Catholic. He opened the the door with a cigarette in one hand and a martini in the other… And said “Wanna DrinK?” I had only seen movies like Bing Crosby in “Going My Way.” I turned to my friend and asked “This is a priest?” That was the beginning of my long journey with Phil. Not only did I become catholic I became CATHOLIC! For over 20 years I worked under his guidance and he was there for us when my husband decided to become a Deacon. He was the one who vested Charles at his ordination. When he moved to St. Michael's he always kept in touch and would come back to St. Vincent's for weddings and funerals. He LOVED music and LOVED to sing and he had a beautiful voice. There is nothing like having the Eucharistic Prayer sung… it was wonderful. I will miss him and know that he is in a better place… I hope that he is saving room for us on the top floor of the penthouse suite. RIP Msgr. Johnson.

Fr. Johnson loved his family and carried all of you with him from house to house. I hung many of your pictures and heard about each one of you. He also talked often of his Mother. He shared that great love that he learned from each one of you with each one of us. May he Rest in Peace; may we share his love and kindness.

The most respected and joyful person to graduate from AHS. Elizabeth S. Garrett. Class of 1956

Great man. Rest in peace msgr. Johnson

Always in our hearts....

So many memories shared yesterday with friends and parish members of St. Vincent de Paul (and St. Matthews and more !)...a day to remember our Arlington hometown pastor, Fa. Phil. He was the very first person from St. Vincent's who welcomed us
to our new Church family after being transferred to Arlington by Steve's work 30 years ago. And, oh, he started us laughing right off with his comments on his continuing battle to stop smoking--standing just outside the one building on the Church campus at the time. Helping us not feel so much like strangers - reaching out to us and us to him. Maybe we were too used to his humor and love of God and home and Church and took it for granted he would always be with St. Vincent's. We visited his new assignment, yet we missed him so as he began his service to St. Matthews. Enjoyed meeting so many of those parishioners and hearing their personal memories, too. Like so many others, our children had their 1st reconciliation and began their service towards Confirmation at St. Vincent's. We took their grandparents to meet Fa. Phil and see our new Church building when they visited Texas (it seems we always joined Churches who were in the midst of building wherever we moved!). It was Fa. Phil who visited w/one of my daughter's first boyfriends working at one of the events and answered questions regarding our Catholic faith, and he always watched out for our son when he was a toddler following Fa. Phil around as he gave the homily. We are grateful to have had Fa. Phil in our lives, for his kindness, faith, humor, and love that he shared with everyone at St. Vincent's and beyond and especially these "newbies" and their transition into their new life in Texas. "...Afterwards Jesus himself, through them, sent forth from east to west the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation. Amen." -Mark 16:20...God Bless and Godspeed Fa. Phil.

Msgr. Johnson was a very thoughtful and giving priest. He won many souls through his down to earth, humorous ways. We will never forget when our son was in the hospital, in a coma for 17 days, Father Jonson would visit at the hospital daily, trying to put a smile on our faces while we were going through a very difficult time. He also visited us here in Mahopac when he visited MA or CT, It was such
a delight to have him with us. Whenever we visited Arlinton, we always looked forward to visiting Msgr. Johnson. He enriched our lives - we will never forget him.

FAther Johnson was a part of our family also. I know the Boaz sisters and papa met him at the gates of heaven for sure. He helped my sister and I pack for Europe. He had to explain to my mother a hickey was not a pimple on the face in 1976. He married my husband and I. He dowsed him completely with holy water during during any blessing. He showed up within 5 minutes of papa passing away explaining something told me to stop. We have kept in touch over the years and he will never be forgotten. Much love to our friend and family member.

"Death is not extinguishing the light, but putting out the lamp because the dawn has come."
Till we meet again my dear friend.

Msgr. Johnson was a good friend of Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital and a genuinely kind person. God blessed many of us through his leadership and caring. Yvonne Kyler

Phil never separated the secular and the sacred. Everything was sacred to him. He listened intently; laughed often; sang beautifully; thought deeply; ate with zest; celebrated life 24/7; daily said "yes" to God; accepted me without judgment; loved all of us as his own; zealously kept the rules: Love the Lord with your whole heart, mind and soul; love your neighbor as yourself." Rest in peace, good and faithful servant; thank you and keep supporting us. I love you and will miss you terribly.

Fr, Johnson was a dear friend and support to me at a time in my life when i needed encouragement. May he rest in peace!!

Thank you for the gift of your priesthood. Father Jeff sid it all this morning at your funeral mass. You made faith a joyous thing. You were one of kind. We've been members of St. Vincent's since 1990 and were sad when you were transferred to St. Michael's. You had such a wonderful way of connecting with people. We loved your warmth and humor. We always came away from mass feeling happy and closer to God. We will never forget you.

My family knew Father Johnson when he was at St John the Apostle parish. I myself was an alter boy for Father Johnson. My oldest sister was married by Father Johnson. I have nothing but great memories of Father Johnson and all he did for so many people. Eternal rest grant him Lord. He will be missed .

Monsignor Johnson was a very special priest. He was always there for my husband and I. We shared many laughs and serious concerns over the years since 1977. Our junkets abroad were always a blast. Rest well, good and faithful servant. You will be deeply missed by many.

Rest in peace, Father Phil.

I have known many priests in my life, but never one that touch me like you did Father Johnson! I was young when you came to St. John's and I remember thinking he is so cool! You will be remembered fondly, but you were loved greatly.

There have been many priests in my life over the years, but never one that left an impression the way you did Father Johnson! When you arrived at St. John's it was like the a breath of fresh air. I was so young and I can still remember thinking " he is so cool". Always smiling....you were loved and you will be missed.

I can't put into words how much you meant to me and the entirer Tice family. Your apart of all of our Family memories. We all loved you so much!! There Is now a huge hole, and we will be lost without you, but you so deserve the rewards of Haven! I'll love you always.

Jim and I will always remember your last trip to Mena Arkansas. You were so excited to go that you even brought BIRD. We had such a nice trip. It was a joy to see how happy you were to be in your own home. Jo Lynn Vacca and I were laughing at your breakfast order the next morning. We thought you were joking with the waitress when you ordered 3 eggs over easy, grits, biscuits and a 5 ounce breakfast steak. You so enjoyed it and ate every bite.
What wonderful memories we have. Thank you for the gift of your priesthood and the love you shared with us. You are a part of the fabric of our lives.

Monsignor ,

You were a great ambassador for the Catholic Church I was a young man when you arrived at St Johns and you left a good impression on me . Always smiling and laughing keep that smile in heaven. Thank for directing me through those formative years. May you RIP my friend.

Ronnie Britt

Father Phil always made me feel like part of the Johnson family. Once he took you in his heart, he sort of kept you there and made you feel welcome. I will miss him very much.

Fr. Johnson was the first priest we met when we moved to Hurst in 1969. Over the years, he was part of many family and sacramental events and when our son Paul was born, Phil announced to the overflowing Sunday mass congregation that Allen was the happiest man on earth now that he had a son! Over the years I found Phil to offer many examples of how we are called to live out the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. He cared for several priests as each walked the final journey of their lives. Parishioners and former parishioners, the families of both knew Phil's presence during illness and for funeral liturgies. And then Phil found time to support diocesan ministries, volunteering in the Tribunal, assisting Fr. Thames in several of his missionary efforts and serving on a variety of boards and committees. And, while the above is only a partial list, Phil was at the same time serving as pastor and ministering to thousands of parishioners and leading parish employees, all the while making this all look like fun. We are blessed to have you as part of our lives.
Charmaine and all the Allen Williams Family

As I have read all of the kind words dedicated to the model that all priest should seek to become, I realize that one of his many gifts was the ability to make you feel as if you were the most important thing in his life. My family and I are honored to have been a part of his life and deeply appreciative for everything he did for us and his many parishioners over his years of service to us and our Lord. May you receive special blessings for all that you have done during your time on earth. I hope my father was able to meet you at the gates of heaven to share a laugh or two. God bless you Father Johnson!

The Dan and Susan Bennett Family

Father Johnson baptized me, gave my First Communion and Confirmation all at St. Vincents De Paul. He will be missed! He was one of the kindest priests I have ever met!

You will be missed by many. You did several services for our family at St Vincent and St Michaels including my husband and I renewing our vows. You are very special to our family. We know you are singing in Heaven already. RIP Msgr Johnson

Thanks so much for becoming apart of the Davis's lives. I will miss are talks, your laughter and my driving days with you to Mena. You made me believe again. We all well miss you in so many special ways.

He was a wonderful and kind man.

Father Johnson, I do not remember any time in my life you were not part of our family, since your beginning days at St. Thomas. You were like a brother to me and a son to my mom & dad. I'm sure my mom & dad were waiting at heavens gates for you. So happy we got to spend time together in January and you shared your wise words to my family. We will miss you!!

I will never forget his humor...I don't know who told more jokes. What a gift ...to give someone something to laugh at and raise their spirits and usually at a time when it was really needed.

I distinctly remember the day in elementary school I learned that not everyone had a priest come over to their house every Sunday for dinner. You were a member of our family. I cannot recall a time in my life when you were not present. You baptized me, you gave me my first penance, my first Eucharist, you anointed me when I was sick, and you guided me through confirmation, you officiated at my wedding. You blessed my first house. You baptized my children (when we weren't looking, just to ensure it was done correctly by our college friend, a newly ordained priest). You rejoiced at my triumphs and consoled me during my setbacks. There will be no greater example of Christ in my life than you. I can only pray that my children will experience the same. Thank you PJ. We love you and miss you dearly. Please watch over us. Congratulations on your final promotion.

One of the BEST priest who never looked down on anyone. Was always polite to all who crossed his path and was not judgemental. A true man to his word. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. The world needs more Msgr Johnsons. Thanks you for all the support you gave us years ago when we were very young. May you rest in peace now with the Lord.

Msgr Johnson was my pastor at St Michael's.
He was one of the best. Rest in Peace.

Mary B. Bedford

Christopher wanted to make sure you know how much we will miss Monsignor Johnson. He said "tell them, I love how he Christened babies, I love that he was nice to us children, and there is more, but I don't know how to say it all. He is special." - Christopher Davis, Age 9, Holy Family Catholic Church

We will miss you Msgr. Johnson. We were lucky to have you for the time we did at Holy Family.

We didn't know Msgr. Johnson for very long at Holy Family, but in the short time that our lives crossed, I could see how fun he was and how easily he brought God's word down to the people. Having read these thoughts from so many others whose lives he touched, I know that he will be missed. Truly a wonderful priest! May he rest in peace.

Msgr.Johnson was one of a kind.His sense of humor was never ending.Our life has been touched by him in so many ways.
He was always there when you needed him
Now heaven will be a better place with him there.Rest in peace.
Mike and Cindy Hendricks

Such a gift for letting us all in on the playfulness of God.

Thank you Msgr. Johnson for all your support and love of the Tongan Community at St. Michaels Catholic Church. Mau 'ofa lahi atu kiate koe. Toka 'ihe fiemalie 'ae 'Eiki! Ofa Ki-Vava'u.

You were with us at Holy Family just a short time before God in His mercy called you home. We will miss your smile and ready humor. Rest well.

I remember a young priest, guitar in hand singing the Our Father at St. John's. Today you are singing with the angels.

I remember many a Sunday morning with the disco ball shimmering at the K of C warehouse before the church was built. Also many a Christmas and Easter when he apologized that there were not enough seats because the C and E's had shown up. We drove all the way from Maryland for him to give our son his first communion. In all of years of moving from state to state I never found any priest that could replace him. He was the perfect priest for our family

Your Homilies, your demeanor and your wisdom helped bring my husband into the church, and you baptized him at 74 years old. Thank God for you Father, and may you rest in peace!

My priest, my confidant, my friend. You touched so many lives and made us all so much better and brighter for having known you. Heaven rejoices that you have come home. We will always love you!

I came strolling into DFW looking for a church and I found it in Fr Johnson at St Michael's. I will miss ur humor dearly. Thank u for all u did for us in enriching our spiritual side. Rest in Peace Father.

Johnson family, I like so many others loved Father Johnson. He gave me instruction to become catholic and married me April 16th 1971. He baptized my two sons. Thru the years even though losing touch I have not forgotten his humor, smile and kindness. Thank you Father for the years of kindness and love.

My years at St. Vincent remain among the joys of my life, and the friendship with Fr. PJ a great treasure. There are no words to describe how much he will be missed, but no one better personifies, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." The angels are rejoicing to have him home, and we know he will greet us when we join him. Much love to his family. Faerie Pabich

Memories of Father Johnson go back to the beginning of SVDP with our family. Meeting for Sunday Mass at the KC warehouse on Arkansas lane-setting up the chairs, taking them down, eating doughnuts and then setting up the chairs for Bingo!
Enjoying the annual parish picnics, Father Johnson had more fun than all of us! The baptisms, confirmations, wedding ceremonies and even the funeral Mass for our oldest son, Tim.
Thank you, Father Johnson, for showing such love and enthusiasm for all of us.
We will miss you! You will be forever in our hearts.

Fr. Johnson, PJ, Phil--was the greatest. He married Anne and I in 1979 at St. Vincent de Paul (Of course at that time it was sometimes referred to as St. Vincent de Box, because we had the one building) At our wedding chairs faced the alter for the wedding, and then you simply turned your chair around to face the kitchen--and you were at the reception! Fr. Johnson came to Wichita falls a few times over the years and we would catch up with each other.Y'all remember Ivor Koch was up here. He came to our 30th wedding anniversary in Wichita Falls. We will miss him. dearly.

They've been waiting for your humor, Phil. And I'm hoping mom has lamb prepared for you. You cared for our family so well, especially in times of grief; never afraid to be light-hearted and full of wit, yet managing to keep all things sacred. I pray the journey is peaceful - I'm quite sure you were prepared. Enjoy it, Phil. It's what you were made for.

Where will I ever find the words to tell you about the most wonderful man in the world who shared his life with me. Msgr. Johnson you were a father to me when I needed one, I loved you with all my heart, how funny that today I was just thinking about you. I pray Christ has you in his arms at this very moment, how beautiful heaven must be for you to leave us all way to soon. I've missed you so much since you moved over to St. Michael's, and now you've moved above us all to a much higher place where the sky is always blue and the sun always shines. I will never forget all the youth group meetings that you were part of, so many memories of you and all of them were happy moments in time. The day will come when we will be together again and that's what I'm looking forward to, until then my heart will always cry out for your loving hands, rest dear friend until I see you in heaven.

I love you and miss you already Uncle Phil. Holden was praying last night and told me you were dancing with God. I know this is true and one day I will see you again.

What great memories. From "school" days to "old" days you brought so much joy to our lives. We will miss you dearly. Janice Hardwick Olson

A great friend and companion – we will miss you always.

A great friend and companion – we will miss you always.

43 years ago I first met Msgr. Johnson (Fr. Johnson to us then).He loved more and cared more than any priest I had ever known. He was a constant friend and shepherd to all. I still laugh and quote his stories. Dear friend the world so desperately needs more like you. With gratitude for a lifetime of love for God's flawed people.

Msgr Johnson was a priest we all loved. His sense of humor, stories and beautiful voice made you thank God that we were blessed to have him for our priest. I'll miss his singing "Here I Am Lord". I know he's singing in heaven now. Rest in peace with the Lord, Father. You will be greatly missed.

Our family will definitely miss Msgr. Johnson. He became a big part of our lives in 1976 at the beginning of St. Vincent dePaul. Such a good sense of humor, very likeable, great personality..we pray you rest in peace.

When we lived near Lake Arlington we attended St. Vincent de Paul church. I well remember how hard he worked to collect money for the new church and yet, he was always giving us all the credit. His humor and kind words were ever present. Although his duties were many, he had time for each of us. I will never forget the Easter services he held each year. He asked me to play Tympani with the choir and the voices moved us closer to God. I miss you.

I will always remember his wonderful sense of humor. He was a wonderful friend, and we will all miss him.

Great Priest and everyone loved him. He married all 6 of our kids, he started the SVdP parish and we were there from the beginning in 1976. A great person, never heard anyone say anything negative about him. RIP Msgr Johnson. We'll always remember you.

We will miss you Fr. Johnson. I remember first meeting you at SVdP ground breaking work parties that the KC Squires were asked to help with. You were always kind, funny, witty and firm. I had much respect for you, then and now.

you opened my eyes when i wanted to be blind. i will never forget you. true peace is now yours. namaste.

I loved him dearly, he will be greatly missed. He was one of a kind and loved everyone.
Dolores Sutton

Once you met Father Johnson you could never forget this tower of a man and priest. He was loved by many and such a part of our family. He buried my late husband Ron Denton, confirmed our son and married our son. He also married Bill Power and I. RIP Father. You will be missed.

Fr. Johnson was such a big part of our lives when he was pastor at St. Vincent's here in Arlington. His dry wit and sensible, down-to-earth approach really connected with people; and no one who heard him sing the Mass - or our favorite, "Here I Am, Lord" - will ever forget it. He touched countless lives and will be missed by our family and many, many others.

I will miss him terribly but heaven has a wonderful soul that will greet us upon our arrival.

I felt his presence so keenly the day that he died that I called to see if he was okay. When his mailbox was full, I thought "Oh, God I hope he didn't die." When I got the call before noon on Sunday my fear was confirmed. In the knowing of his crossing over, I felt his presence even more keenly. I went to Mass then and I talked with him about the words in the bad Latin translations. "Hey Phil, You don't have to say 'like the morning dewfall' or "my blood shed for many', not for all, anymore. Boy have you been set free! With you not caught up in time and space now, I'm going to call on you all of the time now."
Phil was the older brother which I never had. And for me, thank God, he's still here.

Katherine Bayer Hess

Msgr. Phil, you have meant so much to our family for so many years. We will miss your smile, your approachable style, your stories. I will miss your singing during the Mass. Rest in Peace.

LOVED FR. JOHNON....WAS A MEMBER BACK
WHEN HE FOUNDED PARISH. MAY GOD HAVE
MERCY ON HIS SOUL AND MAY HE REST IN PEACE! REMEMBER HIM WITH THOUGHTS AND
PRAYERS! MARY COBB AND FAMILY

I can not begin to express the impact this man made in the life of our entire family. My parents are still members of St. Vincent De Paul today and we were there from the beginning. He was not only our pastor but became a very good friend to your family and was there through my catholic education at the church to the baptism of my children. He was by far the most relatable priest I have ever known and just an all around great person. You will be truly missed Father Johnson. Thank you for being such an inspiration to my family.

Father Johnson officiated at Martin's and my marriage ceremony in 1979, at St. Vincent de Paul in Arlington when there was only a Parish Hall, no Sanctuary. He Baptized our first child, and was an endless source of comfort for my parents after my sister died in 1986. My mother says that she would run into him at Krogers every once and a while and she was always excited to hear his latest news. He will always be a part of our family's history, and I know that he is rejoicing in Heaven with his usual zest! With great love, Karen Oldani and Family

Father Johnson had a spirit that ignited all who was put in his path. He walked with God's favor serving those in need, whether if it was a need of greatness or just a word of encouragement. The goodness of his heart and the way he led his people, family, and friends ... they will forever be blessed because he was a true servant and testament to God's love. What an inspiring legacy to us all. Msgr Johnson, Father Johnson, Rest now in His embracing hands, in peace, your master is pleased.

/Father Phil has been a favorite of ours for years. He seemed to take life "lightly," and we really enjoyed his company. He's been a blessing to the Diocese.

Father Johnson holds many dear memories with my family. He married us, baptized my girls, RE with my girls and RCIA with me. He always had great stories to tell and a smile on his face. We will miss him dearly.

Fr. Johnson guided and encouraged me through my conversion back in the 70's and was our family's pastor for many years at St. Vincent. He will be missed very much.