1919
Arthur
2008
Arthur H. Johnson
July 16, 1919 — April 27, 2008
Former Major League Pitcher
HOLDEN – Arthur H. Johnson, 88, of Hemlock Drive, died Sunday, April 27, 2008 in his daughter's home on Walnut Street in Holden surrounded by his loving family.
His wife of 64 years, Loretta (Gaffney) Johnson, died in July of 2006. He leaves two sons, David L. Johnson and his wife Mary Ellen of Stratford, CT and Stephen L. Johnson and his wife Karin of Charlton; a daughter, Barbara A. Desmarais of Holden; a brother, former New Hampshire State Senator, Carl R. Johnson of Meredith, NH; 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and 8 nephews and nieces.
He was born and raised in the Plains section of Winchester, son of Arthur R. and Eva (McKee) Johnson. He moved to Holden in 1955. He was a 1938 graduate of Winchester High School and was a three-sport varsity athlete excelling in football, basketball and baseball. The day after graduation, his baseball career started with the Erie Sailors of the Eastern League and then the Hartford, CT Senators. He was a major league pitcher for the Boston Bee's, later known as the Boston Braves from 1940-1942. In 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving as a Yeoman Second Class aboard the USS Langley, CVL-27 in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre. After his military service, he returned to play baseball before retiring in 1946.
He worked in the insurance industry for many years, retiring as Owner and President of H. Lincoln Harrison Insurance Agency in Worcester. He was a member and past president of the Insurance Agents Association and a longtime board member of the Mass. Property and Fair Plan Insurance Underwriting Associations. He continued his love of baseball as head coach of Holy Name Central Catholic High School in the late 1960's – early 1970's; and was very active in Holden Little League and Babe Ruth baseball programs.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 1st, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. The funeral for Mr. Johnson will be held on Friday, May 2nd, from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 114 Princeton Street, Jefferson. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, 1326 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210.
Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com
HOLDEN – Arthur H. Johnson, 88, of Hemlock Drive, died Sunday, April 27, 2008 in his daughter's home on Walnut Street in Holden surrounded by his loving family.
His wife of 64 years, Loretta (Gaffney) Johnson, died in July of 2006. He leaves two sons, David L. Johnson and his wife Mary Ellen of Stratford, CT and Stephen L. Johnson and his wife Karin of Charlton; a daughter, Barbara A. Desmarais of Holden; a brother, former New Hampshire State Senator, Carl R. Johnson of Meredith, NH; 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and 8 nephews and nieces.
He was born and raised in the Plains section of Winchester, son of Arthur R. and Eva (McKee) Johnson. He moved to Holden in 1955. He was a 1938 graduate of Winchester High School and was a three-sport varsity athlete excelling in football, basketball and baseball. The day after graduation, his baseball career started with the Erie Sailors of the Eastern League and then the Hartford, CT Senators. He was a major league pitcher for the Boston Bee's, later known as the Boston Braves from 1940-1942. In 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving as a Yeoman Second Class aboard the USS Langley, CVL-27 in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre. After his military service, he returned to play baseball before retiring in 1946.
He worked in the insurance industry for many years, retiring as Owner and President of H. Lincoln Harrison Insurance Agency in Worcester. He was a member and past president of the Insurance Agents Association and a longtime board member of the Mass. Property and Fair Plan Insurance Underwriting Associations. He continued his love of baseball as head coach of Holy Name Central Catholic High School in the late 1960's – early 1970's; and was very active in Holden Little League and Babe Ruth baseball programs.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 1st, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. The funeral for Mr. Johnson will be held on Friday, May 2nd, from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, 114 Princeton Street, Jefferson. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, 1326 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210.
Website & Guest book: www.milesfuneralhome.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Arthur H. Johnson, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Thursday, May 1, 2008
5:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)
Miles Funeral Home
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