Obituaries
Alvin G. “Jerry” Johnson, Jr., 79
After battling cancer for two and a half years, Alvin Gerald “Jerry” Johnson Jr., 79, passed peacefully into God’s eternal care on Tuesday August 28, 2012, at Calvary Fellowship Homes, with loving family by his side.
Born and raised in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, Jerry was the son of the late Alvin Gerald Johnson and Dena Dyrness Johnson. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Marjorie R. Johnson who passed in February, 2012.
Jerry graduated from Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL with a degree in Mathematics. He moved to Washington D.C. to begin his career at the Naval Research Lab. Jerry was a space pioneer who continued at NASA for thirty years working on the development of rockets and satellites. He was actively involved in the Viking Rocket, Mercury, Nimbus, and Tiros satellite projects. One of his career achievements at the Goddard Space Flight Center was managing the development and operation of a scientific pallet for the third space shuttle mission.
Jerry’s faith in God was evident by his commitment to Christian Education and Administration. He was instrumental in the founding of the Annapolis Area Christian School, served on the Board of the Quarryville Presbyterian Home, taught BSF classes, and in retirement, promoted the mission and service of Calvary Fellowship Homes as Director of Development. An active church member: he served as elder, education leader, and choir member. Harvest Presbyterian Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church were his most recent places to worship. He loved people and will always be remembered as a mentor and friend to both young and old.
Jerry enjoyed relaxing at Rehoboth Beach, traveling, photography, gardening (roses were his joy!) and spending time with his family.
Jerry was the devoted father to his two children: daughter Priscilla who resides in New Milford, CT, and son Philip and his wife Anne, and granddaughters Emma, Sarah, and Heather of Towson, MD. Jerry is also survived by his sister Carolyn Johnson of Rockford, IL. He will be lovingly and dearly missed by his children, granddaughters, and sister. Jerry also leaves behind cherished extended family and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 2:00pm at Harvest Presbyterian Church, 517 Beaver Valley Pike, Lancaster, PA. In lieu of flowers, Jerry requested that donations in his memory be made to Calvary Fellowship Homes Benevolent Fund, 502 Elizabeth Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100
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Condolences to the Family
Dear Friends,
Jerry was a neighbor here at Calvary Homes, a friend, and a colleague. I served with him on his major committee and enjoyed assisting him with a number of relevant items.
Cathy and I prayed for him daily during his physical ordeal and were occasionally able to chat with him a little.
I shall miss him, but remember him with delight.
May God’s comfort be yours as you grieve, though not as those without hope.
Henry J. Heijermans
So sorry to hear of your loss, Phil. I remember your dad as a very kind and caring man. He always greeted me with such warmth. Jim and I will be remembering you and your dear family in our prayers.
Anne Anthony
It was my pleasure to know Jerry and Marjorie through the senior choir at Westminster Presbyterian Church over the last several years. Jerry and I enjoyed good times together. Although we did not really know each other in college, we graduated one year apart from Wheaton College, 1953 and 1954.
At choir rehearsal last night we prayed for you folks that God would grant his peace and comfort at this time of your loss. May the Lord bless you with the knowledge that Jerry is completely healed and enjoying being in the presence of the God he worshiped.
Sincerely in Christ,
Bud Gray, Garden Spot Village, New Holland, PA
Phil,
So sorry to hear of your loss. What a great man your dad was, I remember him well. I will be praying for you and Anne and your daughters through this difficult time. Praise God your father is in the loving arms of Jesus now.
Carol Casagrande (Reichley)
Phil, Anne, Emma, Sarah, Heather and Priscilla –
We are sorry to hear about the loss of your father and grandfather. Jerry was very kind to me and was a major influence in my teenage years as the leader of the Boys Brigade at Timonium Reformed Presbyterian Church. We send our love to you and continue to pray for all of you as you grieve the loss of his presence in this life and his graduation into the presence of God.
Love
Ted and Lori Neikirk
My sincere sympathy to Phil and Pris and other members of the family. I am so glad I knew both Jerry and Marjorie. I remember worshiping together many times at Timonium Pres. I think I served after Jerry as an elder but had the highest regard for them. You are blessed to have had such godly parents.
Gene Neff,Timonium.Md.
