John Alexander Johnson

John Alexander Johnson, 92, a longtime resident of Sheffield, passed away at his home in Edinboro, Pa. on Oct. 8, 2023.

He was born July 14, 1931, in Stoneham, Pa. to the late Harry and Agda Johnson. He graduated from Warren High School in 1949, lettering in baseball and wrestling. He was on the first wrestling team and one of the first members who lettered. After high school, he served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Staff Sgt. Upon honorable discharge he attended Edinboro University where he met and married Nancy Claney Johnson on Dec. 28, 1956.

Mr. Johnson taught for seven years and was the principal at Sheffield Elementary for 28 years. The last nine years of his career he was principal of Allegheny Valley, as well. Early in his career he was assistant principal at Sheffield High School for six years (1966-1972). During this time, he was assistant football coach when Sheffield had two undefeated seasons.

Mr. Johnson was active all his life and focused on his health. He was a weightlifter well into his 90s. He had a passion for running 10K races and even finished a marathon at the age of 53. He was proud to have practiced Yoshukai Karate for several years.

He was very active with the Boy Scouts for over 50 years. He was awarded the Silver Beaver in 1974. He was a charter member of the Silver Beaver Lodge of Chief Cornplanter Council. He was a member of American Legion Post 439 Edinboro, Pa. and a life member of Edinboro/McKean VFW post 740. Finally, he was a member of the Edinboro United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Agda and Harry Johnson and both of his sisters, Frances Johnson Anderson and Anne Johnson Simmons.

He is survived by his three children John H. Johnson and wife Sue of New Hope, Pa.; his daughter Robin Russell and husband Eric of Winchester, VA; and his son Eric Johnson and wife Julie of Russell, Pa. In addition, he is survived by 18 grandchildren and spouses, Kevin and Caitlin Johnson, Jeff and Katie Johnson, Bryan and Katlyn Johnson, Lauren Johnson, Travis Walters, Michael and Ashley Cochran-Walters, Marissa and Jason Buhl, Rusty Russell, Thomas and Eliza Russell, Blair Johnson, Jonah Johnson and Olivia Johnson and seven great-grandchildren with an eighth on the way, Parker Johnson, Brayden Johnson, Kensley Johnson, Jack Johnson, Emma Russell, Cecily Walters, and Myron Buhl. He is also survived by his niece and nephew whom he cared for deeply, Patty Simmons Hannold and Phil Simmons. He cherished his time with family, friends, and the outdoors. Most of all he loved spending his time with his wife of 67 years, their grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at Edinboro United Methodist Church, 113 High St., Edinboro, Pa. 16412 on Saturday Oct. 21, 2023. A one-hour visitation will begin at 9 AM. Services will begin at 10 AM and a luncheon will follow. A graveside committal will take place in Sheffield, Pa. at 4 PM. In lieu of flowers a memorial donation may be given to the Edinboro United Methodist Church endowment fund or a charity of your choice.