Theodore "Ted" Johnson M.D.

Theodore "Ted" Johnson, M.D.

NEW BRITAIN

Theodore H. "Ted" Johnson, M.D., 93, beloved husband of former U.S. Congresswoman Nancy L. Johnson, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2025, at their home in Bloomfield surrounded by family. A native and longtime resident of New Britain, Ted was the third child of the late Herbert and Anne (Bingham) Johnson.

Ted graduated from New Britain High School (1950), earned his bachelor's degree from Harvard University (1954) where he first met his wife to be Nancy Elizabeth Lee, and received his Medical Degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1959. During medical school, Ted elected to spend a year conducting research at the University of Birmingham in England (1957-1958) after which he and Nancy married on July 12, 1958 in Harpenden, England. Ted completed his medical internship at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL in 1961, his residency at University of California, San Francisco in 1964, and his military service as a Captain, U.S. Air Force, James Connally Air Force Base, Waco, TX, honorably discharged in June 1966. Dr. Johnson returned to New Britain and joined the Obstetrics & Gynecology Group at the Grove Hill Clinic where he practiced 31 years along side his older brother, Dr. Samuel Johnson, until his retirement in 1997. Widely respected as a fine OB/GYN, Ted earned the trust and admiration of colleagues and generations of patients. He was a passionate advocate for women's health and a steadfast supporter of Planned Parenthood of America. Ted was raised in the South Congregational Church in New Britain and later embraced Unitarian Universalism, actively participating in the UU Fellowship of New Britain and the Unitarian Society of Hartford communities. His love of art and music was instilled in him by his mother, Anne, who herself was an accomplished pianist and an art historian. Music, however, was a defining and lifelong passion for Ted. He played the trumpet and French horn, performed with the New Britain High School Band, sang in choruses and barbershop quartetsincluding "The Medicinal Wine" with his brother and fellow physiciansand performed with the Farmington Valley Singers, including Handel's Messiah. He also appeared in two productions with the Repertory Theater: The Music Man and Paint Your Wagon. Monthly family-and-friends "Sings" were cherished traditions and a source of great joy. Ted was famous for his constant whistling, from Beatles tunes to classical melodies. He shared his love of a cappella and barbershop harmony with his children and grandchildren. One of his favorite sayings, "If you can whistle, then you will never be alone," became a beloved family mantra. True to form, even his great-grandson and one of three namesakes, Theo Genners, carries on the tradition. His devotion to music extended to the community. Ted supported the New Britain Symphony Orchestra and was a founder and board member of CONCORA Choral Society, even bicycling from New Britain to Washington, D.C., to raise funds. He was also a supporter of the New Britain Museum of American Art, the South Church Music Series and Trinity-on-Main. Ted loved UCONN Women's Basketball Team, all sports, and travelling the world with Nancy, his children and grandchildren. His legacy is one of family, love, service, honor, humor, and humility. Besides his wife Nancy, Ted leaves three daughters, Lindsey Johnson (John Suddarth) of Cincinnati, Ohio; Althea McDonald (James) of Cary, NC; and Caroline Genners (Randall) of Jacksonville, FL; 10 grandchildren, 6 great-granddaughters, 4 great-grandsons; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ted was predeceased by his parents, his brother Dr. Samuel Johnson, his sister, Patricia "Patsy" Andrews, and his daughter, Joanna Carol Johnson. Celebration of Life Services, officiated by Rev. Jane Rowe and Rev. Bob Janis, will be held on SATURDAY January 31, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at South Church, 90 Main Street, New Britain, followed by military honors. Burial will be at the convenience of the family in Fairview Cemetery, New Britain. Calling hours are scheduled for THURSDAY January 29, 2026 4-7 p.m. at Carlson Funeral Home 45 Franklin Sq, New Britain. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to South Church Music Series, 90 Main Street, New Britain, CT 06051 or to Trinity-On-Main, 69 Main Street, New Britain, CT 06051. Carlson Funeral Home, New Britain, is assisting with arrangements. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com