Milton E. Johnson Jr. (Pete), 82, of New Smyrna Beach Florida, formerly of Northford Connecticut, passed away February 12, 2021 at Halifax Hospice Edgewater Florida. Son of the late Marjorie and Milton E. Johnson, Sr., he was born in West Haven Connecticut but raised in Hamden. He went on to raise his own family in Northford Connecticut. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved daughter Kara Johnson (Jim Sullivan) and Nikki and JT Sullivan, stepson Michael Mezerewski (Kathy) and their children Cullen, Kyle and Caitlan Mezerewski, grandchildren Kelli, Colleen and Cassidy Johnson, great grandchildren Violet and Faye, his brother and friend Alan Johnson, and his loving partner Susan Hounsom. Predeceased by his cherished son Jeffrey Johnson whom he missed dearly. Pete was an avid basketball player throughout his youth, serving as Captain of his high school basketball team and a member of the high school golf team. While attending Trinity College Pete continued to develop his golf skills as a member of the Trinity Golf Team as well as playing basketball. After graduating Trinity College, Pete took great pride in serving his country as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps. The friendships and bonds he made during his time in the Marines were some of the most important to him throughout his lifetime. As for his family, he enjoyed nothing more than following his children’s sporting events and cheering them on from the sidelines. While some of his fondest memories involved camping trips with his family and friends. His last years of his life were spent in Florida, where he enjoyed fishing, boating and traveling the US and the world with Susan and his adventures with his brother Al. Pete made sure everyone always felt welcome in Florida, going out of his way for any and all of his guests. Our family is grateful for the final care he received at Halifax Hospice as well as the unwavering support of his devoted partner Susan and Tony Leonardi who in later years became more like a son to him. We find peace in knowing that Pete is now reunited with his son Jeff and we can only imagine the spirited conversations they are having around their favorite sports team, the Yankees, and Nascar events.
A memorial to celebrate Pete’s life will be held at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Friday March 26, 2021 between 4 and 7 PM. In lieu of flowers and to honor Pete’s memory and his son Jeff please consider donating to ALS Association (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).