Stephen Walter Johnson

Celebrating the Life of a Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend
Stephen Walter Johnson Born June 27, 1952 – Buffalo, NY Passed Away December 7, 2025 – Jensen Beach, FL
In Loving Memory It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Stephen Johnson, a beloved husband, devoted father, cherished grandfather, and loyal friend. Born on June 27, 1952, in Buffalo, New York, Steve touched the lives of everyone who knew him. He passed away peacefully on December 7, 2025, surrounded by his family and cared for by the compassionate team at Treasure Coast Hospice, after a courageous six-year battle with gallbladder cancer. Despite enduring many rounds of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, Steve never gave up and faced every challenge with unwavering determination until the very end.
Family and Loved Ones Steve was preceded in death by his loving parents, Barbara (Lynch) and Jack Johnson; his brother, Maury Johnson; his beloved son, Eric Johnson; and his dear niece, Hannah Johnson. He is survived by his devoted wife of over five decades, Judy (Bauda) Johnson; their children Jennifer and Matthew Calipari, Matthew Johnson and Sandra Konta, Nathan and Katy-Jane Johnson, and daughter-in-law Mandy Muntz. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law Donna Johnson, Tim Johnson and Seda Erol, and Greg and Debbie Johnson, as well as his loved nieces and nephews. Steve's legacy lives on in his adored grandchildren: Ava, Oscar, Esther, Miller, Sophia, Nava, Kai, and Quinn.
A Life of Athleticism and Dedication Steve was a natural athlete from a young age, excelling in football and track during his time at Hamburg High School. His senior year, he was the only half-back to run over one hundred yards in a game since 1965. He was selected for ECIC All-stars that year. His passion for sports led him to Marshall University, where he played football as a member of the Young Thundering Herd, the courageous team that continued playing after the tragic plane crash in 1970. Despite the challenges, Steve's loyalty to his teammates and his school never wavered-a testament to his steadfast character. Steve also provided guidance to the producers of the movie "We Are Marshall," ensuring that the football uniforms used in the film were historically accurate. When the movie premiered in Huntington, WV, Steve and Judy walked the green carpet.
Love and Family While working at an ice cream shop, Steve met the love of his life, Judy. They married in 1971 and began a lifelong journey together, their partnership a constant source of strength and joy. From humble beginnings in student housing at Marshall University to their beachside life at The Princess, Steve and Judy faced life's joys and challenges side by side.
Steve's children cherish memories of his infectious sense of humor-like the times he would pretend to close his eyes while driving or regale them with funny stories. Though the family started out with little, Steve found creative ways to bring joy, entertaining his kids with hand shadow puppets and tackling home improvement projects himself or with his brother, Maury.
His natural leadership and love for sports shone through in family life. During their years in Alabama, Steve coached his sons' basketball teams and led their soccer team to a state championship, inspiring young athletes with his encouragement and dedication.
Beyond his playfulness and resourcefulness, Steve was also thoughtful and profound-engaging in deep conversations about philosophy, religion, and the true meaning of life. His wisdom and ability to connect with others left a lasting impression on his family, who will always treasure these memories and the lessons he shared.
A Trailblazer in His Career After graduating with a teaching degree, Steve returned to Buffalo with his young family, but the search for a teaching position led him down a different path. He began working at Republic Steel in 1974, and a fateful opportunity to learn computer programming would change the course of his life. One of only two to answer the call, Steve dove into self-learning and became a pioneering process automation computer programmer in the 1980s.
Over a 30-year career with multinational metals companies, Elkem and Eramet, Steve was the director of the IT department. He oversaw half a dozen multi-million-dollar computer control projects across North America, Europe, and Australia and designed and implemented computer networks, site security systems, and large-scale industrial control systems. His talents, mostly self-taught, were a testament to his determination and intelligence. His developments in process control are still being used today worldwide and still not improved upon.
A Life Well Lived Steve cherished family and adventure, traveling with loved ones across the country to visit relatives in Maine, Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Ohio, and New York. He developed a deep affinity for Native American culture and treasured time spent in the Black Hills. Steve was actively involved in advocating for the repatriation of sacred items to the descendants of Chief Spotted Elk. Steve found joy in golf, riding his motorcycle, playing pickleball, and-most of all-being with his grandchildren, who were the light of his life. Steve was known for his generosity and kindness-he would help anyone who ever asked him for help, always offering his time and expertise without hesitation. In his retirement, he and his wife settled at The Princess in Jensen Beach, Florida where they enjoyed many friends and the beach life. Steve served on the board as the treasurer until his health became a barrier.
A Lasting Legacy Steve will be remembered for his strength, loyalty, and unwavering love for his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Treasure Coast Hospice or the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, in honor of Steve's giving spirit.
Let's put our minds together as one And remember those who have passed on to the Sky World Their life duties are complete they are living peacefully In the Sky World They will never be forgotten, no more pain, no more suffering In the Sky World ~ Theresa Bear Fox To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen, please visit our floral store.