Jeffrey Johnson, 45, formerly of Northford and Wallingford, after a valiant battle with ALS, passed away in Bristol on August 10, 2011. Son of Milton “Pete” Johnson and the late Patricia Johnson. Jeff was a 1983 graduate of North Branford High School and attended Southern Connecticut State University. An avid athlete, Jeff participated in a variety of sports throughout his lifetime. In his earlier years he excelled in baseball, football and basketball. Later, if Jeff was not pounding the pavement in any number and length of road races, including 16 marathons and hundreds of 5K and 10K road races, he could be found on a river paddling in a canoe race or paddling his leg in a triathlon as part of the NRT Express Triathlon Team. Jeff was also a proud member of the Warren Street Running Club. In his spare time Jeff might be found on the softball field or the bowling alley. Jeff’s mother was one of his biggest fans. His father was always proud of his son’s accomplishments especially as he faced his most difficult challenge of all. A die hard Yankee and NASCAR fan, but there was no more a devoted Bruce Springsteen fan. Jeff worked for Gallo Wine Distributors for over twenty years and until his illness for Brescome and Barton. Besides his father, Jeff is survived by his daughters Kelli, Colleen and the joy of his life Cassidy “Puj” of Wallingford, his proud and supportive brother Michael Mezerewski (Kathy) of Northford, and his cherished sister Kara Johnson of Wallingford, a niece Caitlan and nephews Kyle and Cullen Mezerewski. In addition are, his “wife” and devoted soul mate Darcy Smith and “son” Connor. No one could ask for a better friend than Tony Leonardi whose friendship has flourished for over twenty years. He will also be missed by his uncles, aunts, and cousins. Jeff was predeceased by his beloved mother Patricia and his maternal grandparents Frances and Dorothy Donnelly and his paternal grandparents Milton and Marge Johnson. In addition, Jeff leaves numerous friends and caregivers that have been touched by his attitude and fortitude as he faced his courageous battle with ALS. A special thank you to all of you who took the time to make a special trip to Bristol to visit with Jeff, sharing a story, a smile or just holding his hand. A very special thank you to Jeff’s caregivers at the Village Green of Bristol, if Jeff ever had to be alone we knew he was in the best of hands. You will forever be in our hearts. The greatest honor you could give Jeff is to live life as Jeff did, right up to the very end, through courage, kindness and smiling through adversity.
A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North Haven, Monday August 15th at 9:30 AM. Interment will follow in Northford Cemetery. Family and friends may call at North Haven Funeral Home on Sunday August 14th between 3-7 PM. In lieu of flowers and to honor Jeff’s courageous battle please make contributions to ALS CT Chapter, 4 Oxford Road, Unit D4, Milford, CT 06460 in Jeff’s memory.