Eric George Johnson

1947 - 2025

Eric George Johnson

August 22, 1947 - August 13, 2025

It is with love and profound gratitude that we remember Eric George Johnson. The oldest of five siblings, he was born in Muskegon, Michigan, to Jeanne and LeRoy Johnson, on August 22, 1947, and passed into the next part of his soul's journey on August 13, 2025.

Eric was husband of 39 years to violinist, Cecilia Harris Johnson; doting father of Linnea Louise Johnson; and soon to become father-in-law to Christopher Scott Atherly.

Eric was a professional singer who possessed a glorious tenor singing voice, performing under the stage name Erik Johanson. He earned his bachelor's degree at Augustana College before moving to Chicago, where he honed his skills with the Lyric Opera and the Chicago Symphony Chorus. He earned his master's degree at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory, where he and Cecilia first met. As a doctoral student at Indiana University School of Music, he performed the leading roles of Hoffmann in Offenbach's Tales of Hoffmann and Faust in Gounod's Faust.

Eric and Cecilia put down roots in Toledo, Ohio, where Eric was a professor of voice at the University of Toledo for 32 years. His knowledge of classical music and vocal technique was profound, and he was a beloved mentor to countless students.

Eric performed as a soloist with the Cincinnati, Detroit, Nashville, Lexington, and Toledo Symphonies, and on numerous tours and recitals. He continued performing in leading opera roles, including Tamino in Mozart's The Magic Flute, Rodolfo in Puccini's La Bohème, and Alfredo in Verdi's La Traviata. A highlight was performing the role of the prince in Rossini's Cinderella, in Singapore. Eric was also the first place winner of the Louise D. McMahon International Music Competition.

Eric's family life was full and rewarding. He was very supportive of Cecilia's musical career and activism. He adored their daughter, Linnea, and was a constant source of love, learning, and laughter throughout her life. He brought her to countless concerts and was determined that she have the best education possible. The family took camping trips to national parks, creating memories that instilled Linnea's motivation to protect the natural world. Eric and Cecilia have been cat parents since they were first married, and his buddies, Smokey, Tuxie, and Moodle, stayed by his side until the very end.

Eric moved through the world with an open heart. He saw a potential friend in every stranger and often cried when he saw others suffering on the evening news. He stood up for human rights, protested for peace, and served as a union representative. It was through his love of humanity and trust in the goodness of others that Eric taught us some of his greatest lessons.

Eric is survived by his loving wife, Cecilia; his beloved daughter, Linnea; and his "prince" of a future son-in-law, Chris; his loving siblings, Leelyn (Terry Place) Johnson, Torger (Gertrude) Johnson, Kris (Mary) Johnson, and Susan (Thomas) Williams; sister-in-law, Julie (Michael) Miller; and many beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, grand-nieces and nephews, and friends.

Eric's celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 2, at 2:30 p.m., at Nederhouser Community Hall, in Sylvania. Visitation will follow until 5:30 p.m. We invite you to share memories, and remember Eric via a donation to Doctors Without Borders or the National Park Foundation at the site below.

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