Keith H. Johnson, 72, of Hammondsport, NY passed away on Monday, December 31, 2018 at his home.

Born in Corning, New York on March 7, 1946, he was the son of the late Richard W. and the late Meca M. (Maple) Johnson. He was a graduate of Corning East High School, class of 1964 and Ithaca College, class of 1968 where he received his Bachelors Degree in Communications. He later joined the United States Air Force serving from 1969 to 1973. He married Carol Peterson on June 3, 1967 at Christ Episcopal Church, Corning, NY. Keith worked in advertising sales for the Corning Leader, WCLI-KZ106 and the Pennysaver.

Keith was a lifetime member of Christ Episcopal Church where he was a Lay Eucharistic Minister for 32 years and a member of the Vestry. Keith will be remembered for his love of slot cars and watching Indy racing. He was a Boy Scout Leader for many years and will be remembered by many for his role as Santa. He played the saxophone and enjoyed listening to and attending Jazz concerts and festivals. He was known for his love of Mexican food - making the best pico de gallo and guacamole. He loved taking photographs and playing old slideshows for friends and family. Keith loved spending time on the lake where he met the love of his life, Carol. They designed and built their home on Waneta Lake where they spent many years taking adventures and sailing around the lake. Keith never met a stranger. He was known for his love of storytelling, his ability to tell jokes and his ability of putting people at ease - enjoying the many unexpected visits from friends on the lake. His greatest joy came from his family - he will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Keith is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Carol Johnson, of Hammondsport, NY; daughters: Kimberly (Ryan) Abel of Albany, NY, Christine (Eric) Fey of Big Flats, NY; and four grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Keith was predeceased by his brother, Karl Johnson.

Family and friends are invited to visitation on Saturday, January 5, 2019 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Christ Episcopal Church, 33 E. 1st Street, Corning, NY. A memorial service will immediately follow at the church at 4:00 pm with Rev. Troy Preston officiating. Carpenter's Funeral Home, 14 E. Pulteney St., Corning has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Keith's name may be made to the Christ Episcopal Church, 33 E. 1st. Street, Corning, NY 14830.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Leader on Jan. 3, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Keith Johnson

Sponsored by Carpenter's Funeral Home - Corning.

12 Entries

Brian Stoll

October 4, 2019

Sad to hear! I somehow missed the news and just found out! Keith and I worked at WCLI/KZ-106. Just a wonderful person! Brought many smiles through the years!

Cort Bassett

January 21, 2019

I was very saddened when Kim told me of her Dad Keith's passing. A really good man was recently taken from us. Genie and I met Keith and Carol around 1969 in Orlando, Florida when we were working together at McCoy Air Force Base in the Information Office. We helped produce the base newspaper. Keith was a friendly, gentle giant with a broadcaster's voice, and we spent some weekends off camping together at Flagler Beach State Park. It was the first time I had ever seen someone catch crabs. We really enjoyed the time we spent with Keith and Carol.

We parted ways when I was reassigned to Puerto Rico for 2 years. We didn't catch up with the Johnson's again until we moved to Ithaca around 1977. We were thrilled to again be near the Johnson's. So we took a trip to the family's Waneta Lake home before it was rebuilt. We enjoyed picnics at their lake house, and meeting at Mexican restaurants, and going to NASCAR's Bud at the Glen races. Keith was crazy about fast cars and loved photographing them. He even had a model racetrack set up in his basement.

The coldest night I ever spent was in a tent with Keith Johnson, who graciously invited me to a Boy Scout winter campout years ago. I borrowed a subzero-rated sleeping bag, but I vividly remember that my lip was frozen to the tent floor when I awoke shivering the next morning. That was the last winter camping for me, but we have laughed about it often!

I will miss Keith, but somehow I have a feeling that he has found Genie Lennox up there. They are talking, laughing and enjoying enchiladas together at the Everafter Café. We'll see you later.

Kerry Stenke

January 9, 2019

I'm so sorry, Carol. I was very happy to be able to touch base with you again in October. --Kerry

Robin Gaige

January 8, 2019

I am so sorry to learn of Keith's passing. I worked with him often over the years while he was at The Leader. A kind, compassionate, humorous man who always had a nice word to say about everyone. He will be missed.

Christine Sullenberger

January 4, 2019

Carol and family, I am so sorry to read about Keith's passing. I have fond memories of him from high school and later when we reconnected. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Christine Sullenberger (Dr. Woglom's retired nurse)

Michael Burrell

January 4, 2019

I'm very sorry I won't be able to attend the Saturday remembrance. I have great memories of Keith and I'm sorry for your loss, Carol. We'll always remember the "doc" as a great fellow and you as a loyal wife.

Elizabeth Galpin

January 4, 2019

Dear Carol -- I am so sorry to read about Keith's passing. It has been many years since we have seen each other (can't even tell you when or where) but I remember Keith from the time when Gary (Hicks) worked at The Leader. You and your family are in my thoughts as you celebrate his life.

Take care,

Elizabeth Clarke Galpin
The Villages, Fl

Sandy Evans

January 3, 2019

To the beautiful family of Keith Johnson,
Years ago when,Keith did advertising sales in the Bath NY area Keith was one of a kind and yes, he made friends so easily.Carol and Keith invited us to Gang Mills to their first house for a lovely dinner with our daughters.Always a smile in friendly giant way.He loved his "girls" and a man never to forget.My best, Sandy Musso Evans

Rick Bliss

January 3, 2019

Carol,
I'm so sorry for yours and your family's loss. Keith was the real deal in all the ways that really count. His love for you and the girls, the many friends he made, his service for his country and of-course his faith. You have my deepest sympathies.

January 3, 2019

DEAR CAROL AND FAMILY....SO SORRY TO HEAR OF KEITHS PASSING....YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS....

TINA BIRDSALL GOFF

Rick Leiby

January 2, 2019

I am deeply saddened To hear of the passing of my dear friend Keith docJohnson. Although we lost touch since my move to Florida in 2005, I have many fond memories of times spent visiting and sharing a story with him. Whether it be while walking on Market Street, or when he would stop by my office to chat, or a trip to Ithaca to visit the Dali Llama. I also had the pleasure of visiting numerous times throughout the years with he and Carol at the old cottage on the lake and watched it grow into a beautiful home designed by the two of them. A home that clearly showed the love that they shared together. Carol I just want you to know that I have thought of the two of you often in recent years. And I will never forget the generosity and compassion that you both showed to me and my family in a time of need.My deepest sympathy, Rick Leiby

The Staff of Carpenter's Funeral Home

January 3, 2019

We wish to extend our deepest sympathies at this difficult time.

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