Andrew S. Johnson's Obituary
Andrew Suarez Johnson of Rehoboth Beach, DE died on Sunday, June 10th, 2018 after a short illness. He was born in Lakewood, NJ on May 26th, 1927. He moved to Downingtown, Pennsylvania in 1968 and lived there until he retired at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware in 1995.
Andrew was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Rose, who passed away two weeks previously. He was united in holy matrimony to his high school sweetheart, on September 6th, 1947. They celebrated 70 years of marriage last September.
Andrew graduated from Lakewood High School class of 1945. An avid athlete throughout high school he was inducted into the Lakewood Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2011. He was also a great sports fan. As a youngster he was an avid Brooklyn Dodger fan. In fact on his honeymoon he and his wife Barbara attended a Dodger game and were able to see Jackie Robinson play in his rookie year. After moving to Pennsylvania he became a diehard Eagles and Phillies fan. He and his wife spent many evenings cuddled together on the couch watching the Phillies and the Eagles. They both wore their Eagles shirt this year to watch them win the super bowl.
Andrew always relished in telling a story from May 6, 1937 when he and his 3 brothers were eyewitnesses to the explosion of the German Dirigible Hindenburg at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station.
Andrew was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. His enlistment in the Marines continued a tradition begun by his Mother and her sister who served in the Marine Corps in World War I. His two older brothers and his twin brother also served in the Marines in World War II.
Andrew was a master ceramic tile craftsman by trade. He also enjoyed doing extensive carpentry work during his lifetime. He built his first house from the foundation up, by himself, in Lakewood, NJ. His love of the building trades provided him with a great source of pleasure and satisfaction through the years. He did many special projects on the homes of all his children. His only regret was becoming physically disabled and having to give up his hobby.
Andrew and his wife Barbara leave behind quite a legacy in their 7 children:
Jeffrey Johnson of Broadkill Beach, DE, Laura (Norman) Myer of Atmore, AL, Valerie (Randy) Dymond of Blacksburg, VA, Christina (Tom) Costello of Havertown, PA, Johanna (Russell) Edwards of Coatesville, PA Victor (Daryl) Johnson of Glenmore, PA and Michael (Beki) Johnson of Downingtown, PA
His 22 grandchildren: Jeff, Brendon, Doug, Marty, Toby, Joshua, Daryl, Matthew, Ben, Molly, Sara, Kerry, Pamela, Maureen, Jennifer, Alex, Greg, Corey, Alyssa, Erica, Michael and Taylor and his18 great-grandchildren.
Andrew devoted his life to his wife, children, grandchildren and great-children. His marriage was a love story of 70 years. His family takes comfort in knowing that their parents are together and always in their hearts.
HIs life will be celebrated along with his wife’s at a double memorial Service on Sunday, June 24th, 2018 at 4 pm at St. Georges Episcopal Chapel, 20274 Beaver Dam Road, Harbeson, DE.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made in Andrew’s name to: Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth (32409 Lewes Georgetown Highway, Lewes, DE 19958) or Greater Lewes Community Village (16686 Kings Highway Suite B, Lewes, DE. 19958): two volunteer organizations that supported Andrew and Barbara to continue living in her home at the age of 91.
Please sign the online guestbook located on this site.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL FLORAL ARRANGMENTS BY 3PM SATURDAY, JUNE 23, 2018 TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.
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