Walter C. Johnson

SANDWICH---Walter Charles Johnson, born March 5, 1930, passed away on April 26, 2024, at the Golden View Health Care Center in Meredith, NH. It was a peaceful end to a long and wonderful life.

Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, to Oscar and Hattie Johnson and the youngest of three siblings, Walter lived and worked on the Good Hill farm in Roxbury, Connecticut. He attended the Mitchell School in Waterbury and the Booth Free School in Roxbury. The experiences he had on the farm led to a collection of "Farm Stories" that captivated two succeeding generations with tales of nature, inspiration, intrigue, and splendor of farm life. There is not a member of the family who does not tremble at the mention of the Gawaukus, nor smile at the memory of the Molasses Pig.

He lived without electricity until the age of 8. Upon the electrification of his household, Walter developed a fascination with the use and potential of electricity. The radio, in particular, caught his fancy. He was President and Valedictorian of his class at Washington High School, then attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to major in Electrical Engineering. He was also president of Kappa Tau Fraternity and a member of the Engineering Honor Society. His youthful fascination with and tinkering with Radios continued, leading him to employment throughout his collegiate career, including stations WHAZ in Troy and WBRY in Waterbury.

Upon graduation in 1952, he went to work for the Bell Laboratories division of AT&T and would remain there for his entire career of 35 years. At Bell Labs, Walter witnessed or participated in the technological discoveries and innovations that helped define the 20th Century. He was intimately involved in creating TRADIC, the first digital computer built with transistors (another Bell Labs invention). He helped engineer the first transatlantic submarine cable system. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he supervised a group at SAC headquarters that made significant advances in Titan ICBM targeting. This deep understanding of trajectory math led to work used to select lunar landing sides for the Apollo spacecraft. Later, he headed Computing Technology Departments that operated Computer Centers at Whippany & Murray Hill New Jersey and took over technical training for Bellcore after AT&T split through divestiture in 1984. He was an active Member of the Telephone Pioneers of America until his retirement in 1987.

Outside of his illustrious career, Walter's heart was always with his family and community. He married Donna Spencer Johnson on May 12, 1956, his dedicated and loving wife of 61 years. He was a devoted participant in family, community, and church activities, always ready to lend a helping hand. His creative and humorous streak, breaking the Engineer mold, gave rise to directing and writing plays for the Sedgefield, NJ Civic Association, including the Sedgefield Follies, an annual highlight for the community.

Upon his and Donna’s 1987 move to Center Sandwich, NH, he served and led his community through over 35 years of active volunteer work in organizations, including the Community Church of Sandwich, the Wentworth Library, the Town Planning Board, the Children’s Center, and the Historical Society. The great passion of his retirement became the “Over the Hill Hikers,” a wonderful group of active seniors. He is reputed to be the first to complete the
“Fifty-Two With A View” before completing the Forty-Eight 4000 footers, which he eventually did

on Cannon Mountain in 1998. Donna and Walt were prolific travelers who crossed the globe with new and old friends throughout their retirement years. The world rarely sees one who has combined such consistent dedication, accomplishment, kindness, humility, and humor. He will be missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to extend their deep appreciation to the Lakes Region VNA and their Hospice Team, the team at Comfort Keepers, and the Golden View Health Center for their compassionate and consistent care during his later years.

Walter was pre-deceased by his wife, Donna, and siblings, Oscar and Evelyn. Walter is survived by his three children: Russell S. Johnson and his wife Leslie of Sandwich, NH; Charles E. Johnson and his wife Jody of Ipswich, MA; and Margaret Van Sickle and her husband Randall of Chatham, MA; and eight grandchildren: Jeremiah and Jacob Johnson of Bend, OR; Zachary Johnson of Sandwich, NH; Hunter Johnson and his wife MK of Johnson, VT; David Van Sickle of Mystic, CT and Owen Van Sickle of Boston, MA; and Spencer and Annika Johnson of Ipswich, MA, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on May 11, 2024, at the Methodist Meeting House of the Community Church of Sandwich, 6 Main Street, Center Sandwich, NH 03227.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Community Church of Sandwich, PO Box 267, Center Sandwich, NH 03227.

Arrangements are under the care of Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To sign the online book of memories, go to mayhewfuneralhomes.com.