Rev. Frederick M. Johnson, Jr., 63 of Cottage, NY passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at his home, surrounded by family after a valiant fight with cancer, where his faith and kindness never wavered. He was born on September 27, 1952 in Beaufort, SC to the late Frederick M. Johnson, Sr. and Margaret Naomi (Wright) Johnson of Ridgway, PA.
Graduated from Ridgway Area High School in Pennsylvania, Class of 1970. Attended Career Academy of Broadcasting (1971) in Atlanta, Penn State University, and Christ the King Seminary. He was ordained a Deacon by Most Reverend Bishop Edward Kmiec in 2005 and served at St. Joseph's Church in Gowanda and recently retired as a Driver with Regal Service in Ripley. Previously, he had served as Pastoral Administrator in St. Mary's Church in Cattaraugus, Chaplin at the Cattaraugus County Jail, Director at the Gowanda Love in the Name of Christ, Therapy Aide at J.N. Adam Developmental Center in Perrysburg, Dispatcher and driver for Carrier Coach in Gowanda, and mechanic at Forest Park Honda in Erie.
He was a member of the Msgr. David Gernatt Council of the Knights of Columbus as a 4th Degree Knight. He was also a 20-year leader in Chautauqua County 4H in various projects, including woodworking and shooting sports, and past President of the St. Joseph's School Parent Teacher Association, and hurricane and flood relief support after Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy. Other affiliations include St. Vincent DePaul Society, Cursillo, Religious Education, Ministry and outreach programs.
Beloved husband of Nancy (Herrington); devoted father of Calyna (Chris) McAllister and Ethan (Amanda Roder) Johnson; and loving grandfather of Emerson, Malen and Jehryn McAllister. Deacon Fred is the eldest of four siblings, Debbie (Terry) Franke, Richard Johnson, David (Denise) Johnson; and caring uncle of Matthew and Kristine, Katrina and Melinda, Casey and Curtis, Elizabeth and Michael.
At Deacon Fred's request, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Joseph's Church or Chautauqua County 4H Endowment Fund.
Calling hours will be Thursday, July 28 from 2:00-4:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM at the Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 105 East Main Street, Gowanda, NY and Friday, July 29 from 2:00-5:00 PM at St. Joseph's Church in Gowanda. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 30 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph's Church in Gowanda.
Obituary from the Observer
