Samuel H. "Sam" Johnson

Samuel Howard Johnson, known affectionately to all as Sam, was the kind of person who could light up a room with his humor and generous spirit. Born on July 26, 1954, in Concord, NH, Sam was someone who lived his life with a twinkle in his eye and a ready smile for everyone he met. On March 22, 2026, at the age of 71, Sam took his final curtain call in Salisbury, MA, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Sam was a man who wore many hats throughout his life, but none quite as proudly than being a daddy and a papa. He was not just a man of the sea; he was also a master of the land, co-founding Johnson's Builders and shaping the skylines of Newburyport and Salisbury Beach with his craftsmanship. His legacy stands firm in the foundations he laid and the community he helped build both structurally and socially.

His educational journey reached its peak when he graduated from Haverhill Trade in 1973, waving goodbye as part of the last class to walk its halls. With diploma in hand and a sea of possibilities ahead, Sam set sail in the Coast Guard where he confirmed his love for the sea. After his discharge from the coast guard his barring took a course for a life of building – not just buildings but also relationships and a family bond that was as solid as the homes he constructed.

Sam was preceded in flight by his pilot squadron: Zelphia and Charles Johnson (his dear late parents), siblings Willy, his co-pilot in many childhood escapades and Vera who passed close to birth. Left to navigate the world without his earthly presence are his two trusty wingmen Charles Johnson III (Bub), the ever-graceful Pamela, his fellow adventurer and his other trusted wingmen Timothy and the ever-graceful Mona, the spirited Trudy Small and her co-captain George Frost. His brother's and sister were his true best friends. Whenever Sam was in need of wisdom he navigated to his siblings. And let's not forget the heirs to his throne: daughter Samantha Merrill, her ace, Brandon Burton, and his squadron of young flyers: Trevor, Hannah, Peyton, Mathew, Brandie, Alaina, Everett, and Alice. The ranks swell further with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and an armada of friends who will miss his guidance and gales of laughter.

Sam was not a man to sit still unless it was on his favorite bar stool at the Hideaway Pub. His afternoons were well spent with the salty breeze of Salisbury beach ruffling his hair with his favorite bartender who became his adopted daughter Allison O'Rourke and Jamie the owner, or with a fishing rod in hand, surrounded by friends and the family he cherished above all. In his last years, you could spot him holding court at the Hideaway Pub, sharing stories that would have the whole bar erupting in laughter.

To say Sam was loving, selfless, and generous is like saying the ocean is a little wet. He was the man who would give you the shirt off his back, even if it was his favorite one with the funny bar print. His heart was as vast as the sea he loved, and he poured it into every relationship and building he touched.

As we look around at the legacy of laughter and love he leaves behind, let's raise a glass to Samuel Howard Johnson – a true captain of industry, a beacon of light in every storm, and the best darn fisherman to ever tell a tale. Here's to a life well-built, well-loved, and well-lived. Sam, you will be deeply missed, but your smile will forever be imprinted on the hearts of those fortunate to have known you. Anchors aweigh, dear friend, until we meet again on that great boardwalk in the sky.

The family will be having a memorial for Sam on July 26th at Salisbury beach. It will start at the Frolics where his ashes will be placed. After we will all go to the Hideaway Pub for a party like no other. We will celebrate him in the way he wanted no tears but a lot of drinks. ( Check back for times )

see donation link below: