Saratoga Springs — Henry Johnson, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home in Saratoga Springs, NY at the age of 92 with his family by his side. He was born to parents Vaner (Nuppa) and Ina Johnson, on 17 December 1928 in Barnstable, MA. He lived a very rich and full life. The son of immigrant Finnish cranberry farmers from Cape Cod; Henry worked his way through Engineering school at Northeastern University in Boston and became the first in his family to attend and complete college. He was also one of the first graduates of the prestigious Co-op Engineering Program at NU and landed a position with General Electric upon graduation. He had a very successful 35 year career with GE; ending with positions as Manager of Manufacturing in Schenectady, NY and Plant Manager in Portland, Maine. His greatest success with GE; however, came when he met the love of his life Alexandra who worked with him at the GE plant in Philadelphia, PA.
After retirement, he was on loan from GE to the State of NY Corrections as a manufacturing consultant where he was instrumental in having the department turn a profit for the first time. Later he was appointed Commissioner of Corrections.
Henry was an excellent athlete and enjoyed sports throughout his life. He was a prolific “knuckleball” pitcher as a youth in the Cape Cod baseball league. At GE; he was a cagey paddleball opponent for anyone willing to take him on. Henry became involved in the harness horse racing business starting in the 1960’s. He and wife Sandy enjoyed this together for over 40 years and travelled throughout the northeast following their “stable.” He and Sandy were active in all aspects of the sport they loved. Over the years Henry owned, bred, trained, and drove Standardbred horses. Henry thoroughly enjoyed the characters and camaraderie of the horse business and made many friends; most importantly his long-time trainer Sean Campbell and wife Carolyn.
Henry had many interests which included boating, gardening, travel, and his family. He and Sandy were also diehard Boston Red Sox fans. They often stayed up together to the wee hours watching the game and rooting for the desired outcome. The tone of the next day sometime hinged on how the Sox fared the night before!
Henry is survived by his wife of 52 years and true soulmate Alexandra who supported him through difficult times until his passing. He is also survived by his daughter Cheryl and three sons; Robley, Henry, Jr., (wife Patricia), and Peter (wife Becky). He also leaves two grandsons Jacob and Kyle (wife Tuanny), a granddaughter Stephanie (partner Jose) and a great grandson Dylan. In addition, Henry leaves numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
Funeral services were held for Henry on Monday, May 3, 2021at Christ The Savior Orthodox Church, Ballston Lake, NY. Visitation took place the following day at Wareham Village Funeral Home, Wareham, MA. Burial took place in Agawam Cemetery.
Memorial donation can me bade in honor of Henry to Christ The Savior Church, PO Box 1393, Ballston Lake, NY 12019.
Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.
