Joseph C. Johnson

Joseph C. Johnson of Port Jervis, N.Y., and formerly of E. Rutherford, N.J., died Thursday, July 18, 2019, at home. He was 68.
Son of the late Francis J. Johnson and the late Lorretta Murray Johnson, he was born June 10, 1951, in New York City, N.Y.
He worked as the operations manager for Emmegi, U.S.A. in East Rutherford, N.J.
He was a very active and supportive member of his beloved Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J.
A family statement read: "Joseph was born in the Bronx on June 10, 1951 the second of nine children to the late Francis and Lorretta (Murray) Johnson. When he was a preschooler, the family moved to Nanuet, N.Y., where he spent his youth and adolescence. He attended St. Anthony’s Catholic School and graduated from Albertus Magnus High School in 1969. Following high school, Joseph studied at Niagara University before returning to Rockland County to begin work in the social services, providing aid and education to developmentally delayed and emotionally challenged youth, an experience he found to be incredibly rewarding and one he looked back upon with pride and gratitude."
In 1974 he married Jean Cassels and the two soon relocated to Denver, Colorado, where Joseph began a career in sales and the couple welcomed two children, Christopher and Sheila. Although the marriage came to an end in 1985, Joseph and Jean remained close friends. In 1987 Joseph returned to the East Coast and worked for a time in the restaurant industry. He eventually settled in East Rutherford, N.J., where he worked for Lantis Eyewear and Emmegi USA. It was here he also joined the parish of Corpus Christi. He was active in several church organizations and served as an instructor in their Religious Education program. He recently moved to Port Jervis, N.Y., to be closer to his children.
Throughout his recent illness he showed tremendous strength and resilience, both physically and spiritually, relying on his unwavering faith and the love of his family. He was an inspiration and a true example of persistence and quiet strength. Those that knew him continue to be amazed at the bravery he displayed during these last few difficult years.
His devotion to his family never faltered and he remained an active, engaged, and loving father, grandfather, brother, son and uncle. His grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as "Whiskers," were the light of his life and brought him immeasurable joy and happiness. He loved the game of baseball and was a lifelong, avid Yankee fan.
He will be deeply missed and remembered fondly. He was loved so very much.
Survivors include his son, Christopher Johnson, and his wife, Shannon, of Goshen, N.Y.; daughter, Sheila Fleming and her husband, Michael, of Milford, Pa.; the mother of his children, Jean Cassels of Chester, N.Y.; three brothers, Francis Johnson of Lenox, Mass., Edward Johnson of Bardonia, N.Y., and Kevin Johnson and wife, Leslie, of Fullerton, Calif.; sisters, Lorretta Johnson and companion, John, of Long Branch, N.J., Catherine Johnson and husband, David, of Haverstraw, N.Y., Margaret DeLorenzo and husband, Robert, of Rutherford, N.J., and Ann Mallon and husband, John of Midlothian, Va.; grandsons, Christopher Fleming, Patrick Fleming, and Michael Fleming; granddaughter, Marygrace Johnson; brother-in-law, John Calabro of Garnerville, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sister Mary Calabro.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 25, at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 46 Ball St., Port Jervis, N.Y., with the Rev. Matthew Newcomb officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Port Jervis.
Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities USA, 2050 Ballenger Ave., Suite 400, Alexandria, VA 22314; or Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, 218 Washington Place, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ 07604.
Funeral arrangements were made by the Gray-Parker Funeral Home, 100 East Main St., Port Jervis, N.Y.