Walter Richard Johnson Jr.

Walter Richard Johnson, Jr., age 83, of Saco, Maine, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Sedgewood Commons after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

He was born on June 30, 1942, in Waltham, Massachusetts, to Walter R. Johnson and Doris E. Morgan.

Walter graduated from the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf and went on to work at the Pepperell Mill in Biddeford, Maine, where he was employed for approximately 25 years. He later transitioned from this role due to vision loss. Walter then worked as a dishwasher at Michele's Café for over 30 years, where he was known for his cheerful personality, strong work ethic, and the genuine friendships he built with his co-workers.

Walter enjoyed listening to audiobooks, working on his computer, and taking pride in maintaining his home and yard alongside his wife, Joyce. He especially cherished time spent with family and friends.

Walter is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years, Joyce Johnson; his granddaughter, Samantha Cook; and his great-grandchildren, Emmitt Belmore, Austin Belmore, and Logan Cook. He is also survived by his stepson, Conrad Jellison and his wife, Michele; grandchildren Madison Jellison, Cody Jellison, and Hunter Jellison; and additional great-grandchildren Henley Kidnay, Ani Jellison, and Levi Jellison.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Doris Johnson; his daughter, Yvette Johnson; his sister, Ann Leclair; his brother, Donald Johnson; his half-brother, Paul Warner; and his grandson, Jaime Bonney.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 16, at 1:00 p.m. at the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf, in Falmouth, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walter's memory to Guiding Eyes for the Blind (www.guidingeyes.org), in recognition of the support they provided him through adaptive equipment, guide dogs, and services over many years.