Thomas Henry Johnson

Our beloved Thomas Henry Johnson peacefully entered into eternal life on May 2, 2025. Tom was the firstborn of Thomas Henry Johnson Sr. and Ruth Edna (Wilde) Johnson. He was born on December 9, 1943 in New Bedford, MA and grew up in Fairhaven, MA and Lynnfield, MA where he learned to love musical instruments, playing clarinet and saxophone in the Lynnfield High School marching band and throughout his adult life. Tom attended Chamberlain College and then joined the Army National Guard. He married his wife Ruthie in 1968 and his career in industrial sales took Tom and his family to several midwestern states where he was involved in community activities before moving back east to New Hampshire.Tom continued in the industrial sales business becoming VP of US Sales for a British company and then later created his own business which allowed him more time with his children and grandchildren. Living in Bedford, NH for 28 years, Tom was President of the Bedford LIttle League, played in golf and softballs leagues, coached baseball and soccer and was involved in many community groups and Bethany Covenant Church throughout his entire life, Tom was known for his spirit of helping others, mostly unnoticed, opening his home to those in need. He loved his family dearly and loved traveling across the country and beyond with them. His final 17 years were spent in West Hartford, CT where he continued to enjoy his passion for landscaping and the outdoors and building bonds with his grandchildren. Tom is survived by his loving family including his beloved wife of 56 years, Ruthie, their son Tommy Johnson and wife Justine of Falmouth, ME and daughter Kirstin and husband Garrett O’Keefe of West Hartford, CT. He was blessed to be known as “Poppy" to five amazing grandchildren: Nat Johnson, Emily O’Keefe, Penelope Johnson, Riley O’Keefe and Katie O’Keefe. In addition, he leaves two sisters and their husbands, Jane (Johnson) and Gary King of Coral Springs, FL and Marilyn (Johnson) and Michael Austin of Somerset, MA and many nieces, nephews and cousins who were all a very important part of his life. A Celebration of Life for Tom will be held on Wednesday, May 21 at 11am at First Church of Christ Congregational (12 So. Main Street, West Hartford, CT) followed by a military flag presentation.