Ronald E. Johnson, Sr.

Ronald E. Johnson, Sr., 88, of Paxton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, at St. Mary’s Health Care Center in Worcester. Born in Worcester, he was the son of Gustav and Dorothy (Edman) Johnson.

Ron is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Melinda (Lindberg) Johnson; sons Ronald “Ronnie” Jr. and his wife Nancy (Way) of Bourne, MA, and Russell “Rusty” Johnson of Texas. He was a proud grandfather to Ronald “Tripper” Johnson III of Somerville, MA, Timothy “Timmy” Johnson of Bourne, MA, and Daniel “Danny” Johnson and Aidan Johnson of Texas. Danny and Aidan’s mother, Melissa Boland) Johnson, also survives him. Ron was predeceased by his youngest son, Ross E. Johnson, and leaves behind several beloved nieces and nephews.

Ron graduated from North High School and the New England Institute of Anatomy, with additional studies at Tufts University and Quinsigamond College. He was a licensed funeral director for over 60 years and owned and operated the former Johnson Funeral Home on Lincoln Street in Worcester. For Ron, serving the Armenian community was a sacred calling. Continuing a family tradition that began in 1933, he considered it his greatest honor to support families in their time of need.

Ron spent the last six decades in Paxton, where he raised his family and was deeply involved in civic life. He was a member of the First Congregational Church and served several terms as a selectman. His community service included the Paxton Board of Health, Cemetery Commission, and Cable Commission. He was a 32° Mason with the Morning Star Lodge, a member of the Aleppo Temple, a founding member of the Paxton Lions Club, and past president of the Wachusett Booster Club. He especially cherished coaching his sons in Little League and youth soccer.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron’s memory may be made to:

• Armenian Church of Our Savior, 87 Salisbury St, Worcester, MA 01609

• Holy Trinity Armenian Church, 635 Grove St, Worcester, MA 01605

• Sterling Animal Shelter, 17 Laurelwood Road, Sterling, MA 01564

A very special thank you to the 3rd floor “Memory Care Unit” at St Mary's Health Care Center for their loving care and support over the past 22 months.

Visiting hours will be held Monday, Oct. 13 from 4 to 7pm at Callahan, Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester, MA. A funeral service will be held in the Funeral Home on Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 11AM. Burial will follow in Mooreland Cemetery, Paxton, MA.