Obituary of Francis J. Johnson

Francis J. Johnson, 60 of Bethlehem, NY, passed on Monday, December 21 of cancer with his wife of 33 years by his side. Francis was born on June 2, 1960 in Wellesley, MA to the late Frank and Gloria Johnson (Sallusto). He is survived by; his wife Mary Johnson (Miana), his children; Matthew Johnson & Corinne Johnson (Richardson) and Mary-Francis Byrne (Johnson) & Matthew Byrne, and grandsons; Caleb and & Julian Johnson and Noah Byrne, and his sisters Meg Ignacio (Ray), Gloria Moak (James) and Annette Ridley (Michael). Fran graduated from BCHS (1978) and Geneseo State (1982) with a B.A. in Speech Communications. He briefly pursued journalism & radio before beginning his sales career under the tutelage of his boss & future bride, Mary Miana. From selling peanut butter, to pharmaceuticals, to TANY, where he finished his career, Fran will be remembered as the quintessential Salesman. He was a gifted orator and respected mentor to all; his impact will serve his turn long after he is gone. Above all, Francis valued his family the most. Vacation to Chatham MA was an annual ritual where he did his best teaching under the shade of his Chatham A’s cap with a cold beer. He cherished traveling with his wife, everywhere from Gettysburg to Italy. He was a learned historian in many topics from sports trivia to American history to investing. He entrusted his son to hold his passion for athletics and their grander implications and to his daughter; the value of saving for a rainy day and quiet confidence. Francis was a man of unalienable character and faith. He left us upon the Star of Bethlehem, til’ we meet again on the beach at Cape Cod. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Sunday, Dec. 27 from 1 to 4 pm at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. Face coverings will be required and social distancing and occupancy limits will be observed. A social distant, public funeral will be held 1:30 pm Monday, Dec. 28 at St. Pius X Church in Loudonville. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Francis J. Johnson LAX Scholarship online at albany.edu/giving (note your gift is in memory of Fran Johnson) or send a check by mail. Please make check payable to The UAlbany Foundation, note your gift is in memory of Fran Johnson, and mail to The UAlbany Foundation, PO Box 761, Albany, NY 12201.