Donald Francis Johnson passed away on December 19, 2024 at home with his family after a long illness. He was a son of the late Howard and Ethel (Waddington) Johnson and grew up in Holyoke. Donald attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary School and graduated from Holyoke High School in 1949.  In 1951, he graduated from Holyoke Trade School and enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served from 1951-1955.  After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Donald attended American International College and graduated with a degree in Education.  Shortly thereafter, he completed his Master’s Degree in Education at Westfield State University.  Donald was an avid golfer and enjoyed taking his children and grandchildren to the golf course.

Donald met his wife Rosemary (Carrier) Johnson in 1974 and they were married for 49 years.  They raised their family in Holyoke and were members of St. Jerome’s Church. Donald had a long career as a teacher, mostly at Brookings Middle School in Springfield, MA. He enjoyed his retirement, golfing and spending time with family and friends.

Donald is survived by his beloved wife Rosemary (Carrier) Johnson. He leaves to cherish his memory, his two children, Matthew Johnson and his wife Nicole of Methuen, and his daughter Jennifer Johnson and Andrew’s father, Luke Trahan; four grandchildren: Nicholas, Maxwell and Adaline Johnson and Andrew Trahan; a brother, David Johnson of Albany, New York and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Donald was predeceased by two brothers; Howard and Jack, his sisters; Marilyn and Sister Patricia, and many friends.

The Funeral will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 9:00am from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in Saint Jerome Church, 169 Hampden Street, Burial will follow in Forestdale Cemetery West, all in Holyoke. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, December 26th from 4:00 to 6:00pm.

Memorial contributions may be made in Donald’s memory to the Sisters of Saint Joseph, 577 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 or Jericho PO Box 1039, Holyoke, MA 01041.  For more information or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit barryjfarrellfuneralhome.com.