Walter Johnson

Walter C. Johnson, age 74 of Wayne, died on Tuesday, October 4, 2022. He had been a machinist and engineer throughout his career before retiring fifteen years ago.

Walt grew up in Jersey City and moved to Old Bridge when he was twelve years old. He went on to graduate from Madison Township High School in 1966. In 1967, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and proudly served as a Machinist for four years before being honorably discharged in 1971. He enrolled in engineering classes while working full time, and received his mechanical engineering degree from NJIT in 1996.

He was an avid league bowler and achieved a “300” game just a few years ago. He enjoyed deep sea fishing and landed a 619 lb. tuna when he was just twenty years old. He also loved golfing and working on home improvement projects.  Walt was a cancer survivor who experienced his share of health challenges for the past twenty-five years, but he was a strong fighter who wouldn’t allow himself to be held back from enjoying life. He was a hard worker and a perfectionist. He also had a great sense of humor and provided plenty of laughter for his friends and family.

Walt met his wife, Frances, in Garfield, NJ, while playing cards at a friend’s house. They married on May 25, 1975 at St Stanislaus Kostka Church in Garfield and honeymooned in Bermuda. They lived briefly in Old Bridge before settling in Parsippany where they lived and raised their family for more than thirty-three years. They traveled extensively including many cruises to destinations such as Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, London and Rome.  His favorite destination was Bermuda and he was fortunate to have cruised there just three weeks ago! They were blessed with a beautiful, loving and devoted marriage of more than forty-seven years, and Fran will miss him dearly.

Walt cared deeply for his family and had always been a very supportive and loving father. He was gentle and strong at the same time, always leading by his example. He was a true gentleman. Each of his grandchildren meant the world to him and he enjoyed all the time he had with them. They all love him and will miss him dearly.

Walt is survived by his beloved wife, Frances (nee Sondej) of Wayne, their two sons; Michael and his wife Danielle of Rockaway, and Jason and his wife Michelle of Wayne; six grandchildren, Anthony, Aidan, David, Carlie, Abbey, and Cameron; as well as one sister, Carole Rux. He was predeceased by his sister Kathleen Johnson in 2009.  He also leaves nephew Scott Eder, who he was like a father figure to, as well as nephew Kenneth Rux, and nieces Kristen Blomstrom and Jennifer Aroche, as well as eight great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donation in Walter's memory would be appreciated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959, www.stjude.org.