Edward Garry Johnson

Edward "Ed" Garry Johnson, 72, of Quakertown, PA, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 16th, 2025. Born on May 19, 1952, he was the son of the late Hibbard and Jean Johnson (Finan) and brother of Nancy Pappalardo (Johnson).

Ed graduated from Upper Darby High School and immediately entered the U.S. Army as a track vehicle mechanic and completed Infantry Training at Fort Dix, NJ in July 1972. He continued to advance in rank and specialty, joining the U.S. Army Special Forces or "Green Berets". He proudly walked in his father's footsteps and served in various ranks and battalions including Fort Bragg, NC, Fort Benning, GA, and Germany as well as courageously completing three tours of duty in Vietnam from 1972 through July of 1975. He was a Purple Heart recipient, among several other commendations.

As someone who appreciated cars, one of the first things he did when he came home on leave was purchase a brand new, bright red 1973 Chevy Vega and promptly put "Ed" in stickered lettering on the door. He continued his military career after Vietnam by serving honorably in the Army National Guard as a Staff Sergeant until October of 1978.

In November of 1978, he began his career with FedEx as a driver where he made many lifelong friendships. After nearly 30 years, he retired in 2007. Following retirement, he worked briefly for Lexus where he appreciated the chance to work around luxury vehicles. In his later years, there was no job he enjoyed more than helping at his son's business, JMW Specialty Welding and Fabrication, and tried to convince anyone who came to the shop or job site that he was the supervisor, even if he woke up from a nap at Kevin's desk to tell them so.

Ed is survived by his daughter, Brenda Johnson, his son, Kevin Johnson and daughter in law, Melissa and his grandchildren, Hunter, Avery, and Koden.

Ed loved people and lived to laugh. He made friends wherever he went and was apparently "allergic" to cooking at home. He loved community and valued relationships and of course, anything Coca Cola themed. He beamed with pride when he spoke of his daughter, Brenda, and her accomplishments and service in the U.S. Air Force and about his son, Kevin, and his business. He filled with joy at the sight of his grandchildren and as he talked about them to anyone who would listen. He rarely missed an opportunity for well-timed wit. He was kind and generous and will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Friends and family are welcome to attend his memorial on Saturday, March 1st at Naugle Funeral Home 135 W. Pumping Station Road, Quakertown, PA 18951. Visitation begins at 11am and a brief funeral service at 12 noon, followed immediately by a Celebration of Life Luncheon to share stories and memories of Ed with laughter and love.