Steven "Steve" Johnson

Steven Johnson, age 72, of Newark, New Jersey, was called home on January 29, 2026, at St. Michael's Hospital. He was born on September 8, 1953, to Mattie and William Johnson, the youngest of nine children.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, seven siblings, and his beloved wife, Annie (Cookie). He is survived by one living sibling, Mattie (Puddy), his former wife, Barbara; his two children, Greg (Daughter in law Dena) and daughter Qiana; and his nine grandchildren: Jasmine, Tiana, Rakeem, Naya, Sequoia, Amyah, Hadassah, Najah, and Imir. He also leaves behind six great-grandchildren: Jason, Jamari, Khalil, Ja'kai, Nayla, and Nyla, along with a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Steve was always full of joy and quick on his feet. He had jokes for days and was known as the ladies' man of his era. Throughout his life he worked at Maaco painting cars, White Castle and held many other jobs before retiring from Aramark at Rutgers University.

To know Steve was to know his many talents and the skill of his hands. He was very gifted with his hands, which showed through his hobbies. He loved to cook and was very good at it, taking pride in preparing meals for family and friends. He also enjoyed building dollhouses, collecting model cars and trucks, and had a love of gaming in his spare time that spanned back to Atari 2600. He was known for singing off-key, making up his own lyrics, and even creating his own language - all of which brought laughter to those around him.

Steve loved road trips to the south mountain reservation, family cookouts, and talking mess.

Steven Johnson touched the lives of many and meant many different things to many different people. He will be truly missed and forever remembered.

This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Steven Johnson. Leave a message on the Tribute Wall to share your favorite memories and offer words of sympathy and comfort.