David Semple Johnson

David S. Johnson, "Dave," age 84, of Woburn, MA, and formerly a long-time resident of New Jersey, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025.

Dave was born on April 15, 1941, in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, the son of the late Arthur G. and Jean (Semple) Johnson. Raised in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, Dave attended a Friends school in Pennsylvania before going on to Duke University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Sociology.

Dave's ROTC Naval enlistment took him on his tour of duty in 1963, serving overseas as a Junior Officer before returning home to his family. He later served in the Naval Reserves for 25 years, attaining the rank of Commander.

While at Duke, Dave met the love of his life, Clara Jones. Their relationship endured the miles between them during his Navy years, and they married in 1965. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised two children, Dave and Becky, in New Jersey.

Dave worked for 15 years at the family's businesses, Johnson's Hardware and Johnson's Furniture Mart. He then commuted to Manhattan, where he worked for Shearson Leaman Brothers on Wall Street for over a decade, and later worked for Smith Barney in Sea Girt, NJ, as a financial advisor. He was known for his intelligence, dedication, and the care he showed his clients, many of whom became lifelong friends.

Beyond his professional life, Dave was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His son, Dave, fondly recalls, "I rebelled against many of his understandings of the world, and all of the grey hairs on his head were due to my rebelliousness, but there was a deep sense of love throughout our lives. He taught me to value the written word and its intrinsic power on the mind. He and I could talk about music and movies for hours, and we always had a common thread in our love for my mother and sister."

A voracious reader and lover of knowledge, Dave devoured books and periodicals daily. His mind was an encyclopedia of facts and stories, and he had a sharp wit to match. His humor was quick, his jokes endless-sometimes silly, always clever. Those who spent time with him came to appreciate how his love of learning and laughter were deeply intertwined.

Dave also gave selflessly of his time toward community services. He was a large part of the Point Pleasant Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Point Pleasant Parking Authority, and the Point Pleasant Hospital Board.

Dave will be remembered as a man of words, wisdom, and warmth. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his humor, intelligence, and the steadfast love he gave to all who knew him.

Dave was the beloved husband of 60 years to Clara J. (Jones) Johnson; the devoted father of David S. Johnson, Jr., and the late Rebecca J. Vail and her husband Robert of Winchester; and the loving grandfather of Griffin and Colby Vail.