William C. Johnson, 88, died peacefully at home on May 4, 2021, in Skaneateles. Son of William D. Johnson and Ellen C. Johnson, Bill was born on March 2, 1933, in Syracuse and was a communicant of St. Mary’s of the Lake in Skaneateles.
Familiar to many as Shadow or Boag, and to his grandchildren as Pop Pop, Bill graduated from Central High School in 1951, was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, graduated from Syracuse University in 1959, and was a longstanding member of American Legion Post 239. Bill retired from Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation in 1987.
He enjoyed the morning gatherings at Johnny Angel’s Table 6, doing the crossword puzzle while not missing a beat of the conversation. Sailing a Comet on Skaneateles Lake in his early years, fishing, hunting, playing and watching golf were among his many activities. He was a long-time member of the Skaneateles Country Club and The Links at Sunset Ridge.
Several of Bill’s childhood friends were friends for life, reflecting the kind of person he was.
Surviving is Kathleen Kortright Johnson, his wife of 58 years, a daughter, Alisa Clark (Michael A.), grandchildren Allison Clark and KC Clark, a brother Stephen (Diane R.) of Fayetteville, a sister Margaret Lane (James D.) of Franklin, MA, brother-in-law Georg Cerf, and several beloved nieces and nephews. Special also to Shadow was the Murphy family – Steve, Cindy and Ava.
Predeceasing Bill was a son, William M. (Billy) Johnson, a sister, Joanna Cerf, and a brother, Edward Johnson.
At Bill’s wish, he will be buried next to his son, Billy, and services will be private with no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sarah’s Guest House, 100 Roberts Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13207.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
