Howard Thomas Johnson

Howard T. Johnson, 92, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, with his loving wife Sylvia holding his hand. He was born in Akron on October 13, 1933 to Julia Lucille and Walter Johnson and graduated from North High School in 1951. Howard received B.S. and M.S. degrees from Kent State University then served in the U.S. Army. Assigned to Ford Meade Special Services, Sports Branch, he had various administrative duties and officiated team sports activities. Memorable assignments were organizing a golf outing for President Eisenhower, and supervising an intramural program for personnel of the 1957 Camp Perry National Rifle Matches.

Howard began his teaching career at Buckeye schools in Medina County. He taught high school history and physical education, and became head basketball and baseball coach. Winning a conference championship led to Howard accepting the head basketball coach position at Coventry High School. He coached basketball for a total of 12 years and coached golf for 14 years, retiring from teaching in 1986. For a long time, Howard was a well-known basketball and football official. In 2008, he received certificates in both sports for 50 years of service from the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

Howard never liked summers off. While still teaching, he painted houses and delivered beer and wine for a distributor. After retiring from teaching, he helped paint bleachers at Firestone Stadium, then became the service manager for the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau. In 2001, Howard, Sylvia and their children all contributed to the building of their new home on Portage Lakes. In semi-retirement, he enjoyed working as a starter at Loyal Oak and Turkeyfoot golf courses.

Howard and Sylvia enjoyed a full and busy life together. They loved live music, theater, attending parties and fundraisers, and hosting get-togethers at their home. When traveling, they enjoyed educational and quirky destinations. Highlights include Mount Rushmore, Hearst Castle and taking the whole family to the King Tut exhibit in Chicago.

Howard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sylvia Johnson (nee Schneider), children Cristine Braman, Jay (Heidi) and Todd, grandchildren Kory Braman, Kelsey (Joshua) Masuoka, Erin Johnson and Jack Johnson, sisters-in-law Kathleen (Donald, deceased) Johnson, Lucille (Fred, deceased) Neidert and Marilyn (Philip) Musick, and other family and friends.

Howard was preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter Lauren Audrey Braman and brothers Donald and David. Donations in Lauren's memory may be made to Akron Children's Hospital Foundation, Jeffrey Barbour AYA Fund on the memo line of checks. AYA stands for Adolescent and Young Adult.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, April 19 from 1-4 p.m. at Coventry Oaks Lodge, 40 Axline Ave., Akron 44319. A reminder will appear in the Beacon Journal.