Kenneth H. Johnson was born in Center Moriches on October 14, 1931 and left us at the age of 92 years old on January 9, 2024. He was born to Howard & Marie Johnson (nee Carter) in Southampton, NY. He graduated from Center Moriches High School in 1949 and was a lifelong resident of Center Moriches, where he was deeply involved in many aspects of the Community, School and Fire Department to name just a few.
Ken graduated Center Moriches High School in 1949 after a successful sports career in High School, even staying a 5th year to play an extra year of Basketball. He joined the Center Moriches Fire Department in 1949 and was an active member for almost 72 of his 75 years as a member. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served his country from 1950 to 1953, fighting in the Korean War, as a machine gunner in the First Marine Division. Upon his return he met his wife, Grace Koehler; they married in 1955. They settled down in his hometown of Center Moriches and started a family.
Together they had four children, Kenneth, Kim, Scott and Shaun and raised their granddaughter Jennifer as their fifth child. He was a loving, kind and giving man to so many people. These traits were always on display to those that called him “Dad” or “Grandpa” and this included friends that have become family such as David, Anthony and Paul.
He worked several jobs to support his family, sometimes working up to three jobs at once. He spent several years at Bernstein Farms, before starting his career at Brookhaven National Laboratory from which he retired after 42 years. He was an employee at the Center Moriches Fire Department for many years as a Night Watchman and Radio control Operator, sleeping home for only two nights a week! He loved to tinker around the yard, enjoyed planting and tending to his garden and loved planting bushes and flowers around the yard, which we enjoy through the year.
Ken was highly active in so many organizations throughout his life, enjoying his time spent and the friends he made, as much as the service and knowledge that he gave. Within the Center Moriches Fire Department he was a not only a 75 year member but held the titles of Lieutenant and Captain twice, Assistant Chief (1970-1974), Chief (1974-1976) and Fire Commissioner from 2011-2015. He was given the Fireman of the Year in 1975, and was very proud of this, after saving the life of a local person by running into the building before the trucks arrived. He spearheaded and ran the CMFD Junior Fire program and ultimately became President of the Nassau Suffolk Juniors Association.
He was very active in various Fire Department titles within the Town, County and State levels throughout his life as a volunteer Fireman, including Brookhaven Town Fire Chiefs, where he served as President for many years, Suffolk County Chiefs Council including the position of Secretary, and New York State Fire Chiefs Association. He was part of the committee that wrote and brought FRES, Fire Rescue Emergency Services, to legislation within Suffolk County.
He and his wife Grace traveled New York State to meetings and conventions for the Fire Services for most of their married life, even running the Hospitality Room at the NYS Convention which they have many fond and funny memories, and made MANY friends.
He loved his children and sports, and therefore it only made sense that he became a Coach and Manager of the Center Moriches Little League for over 16 years! He was a Member of Center Moriches School Board of Education from 1986-1997, serving as President for two years. He also served many years as a member of the Rotary Club of the Moriches. Ken was recently honored to have been named the 2022 Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade by the Center Moriches Chamber of Commerce, as well as being recognized as a Center Moriches High School Alumni of Distinction in 2022.
He loved his Church, St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, where he and Grace were married. He returned to church in the later years of his life and became an active member. He enjoyed meeting and making new friends and the worship and love he felt while in attendance.
Ken is survived by his wife of 68 years Grace, a brother Robert Johnson (Kathleen), his children Kenneth Johnson (Brenda), Kim Johnson-Hennessey, Scott Johnson (Elizabeth), Shaun Johnson and Jennifer Johnson. He was a proud Poppie to his grandchildren Jessica (Ben), Laura, Scott, Meagan (Stephen), Matthew (Melinda), and Heather (Robert); as well as seven great-grandchildren Logan, Adalynn, Madison, Matthew, Carter, Lilah, and Baby-to-be Sherwood, along with many nieces and nephews.
Viewing will be on Friday January 26 from 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm, with a Firematic Services at 7:30 pm, at Robertaccio Funeral Home, 495 Main Street, Center Moriches. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday January 27th at 9am at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 33 Railroad Ave., Center Moriches, with burial to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Center Moriches. All are welcome to join for refreshments at Center Moriches Fire Department, immediately following the burial.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to: Center Moriches Fire Department, St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church Outreach, or Moriches Nutrition Center.