Axel J. "AJ" Johnson, 88, of Irishtown, passed away Saturday, December 1, 2018, after a short illness, at the Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born in Bradford, on December 3, 1929, he was the son of Axel J. and Jennie Elvina (Taylor) Johnson.
After AJ's father died during an oil field accident in 1941, he grew up quickly. He stopped his formal schooling and supported his mother through a variety of jobs. Those skills he learned the hard way served him well in later years. Axel was determined to earn a formal diploma and successfully earned his GED in 1968.
On June 10, 1950, he married Esther (Raught) Johnson who survives. AJ & EJ started dating in 1945. They loved square dancing, especially wherever Cowgirl Clara was performing. In 1955 they moved into their home in Irishtown and enjoyed 68 devoted years together.
Axel worked 23 years at Hanley Brick Co. in Lewis Run and later at Kendall Refining Co. for 25 years, retiring in 1995. He was a proud member of the Kendall Quarter Century Club.
AJ was a 50 year member and Past Master of the Kane Masonic Lodge #566, R.W. Grand Lodge F&AM of Pennsylvania, a member of the Coudersport Consistory, McKean County Shrine Club, Orak Grotto, and Zem Zem Temple, the Odd Fellows Lodge of Mt. Jewett, and the International Association of Turtles. He had also served as Lafayette Township supervisor.
He enjoyed bowling, his back hoe, Stroh's, spending time with his family and many friends and "putterin". Axel was tenaciously hard working, fair-minded, loyal and good-humored. He will be missed.
In addition to his wife, Esther of 68 years he is survived by a loving daughter, Cheryl (Rick) Lutz of Bradford.
Family will be receiving friends on Thursday, December 6, 2011, from 11:00am to 1:00pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc., 372 East Main Street, where funeral and committal services will be held 1:00pm with Rev. Jay Tennies, pastor of the Hill Memorial United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in McKean Memorial Park. Members of Kane Lodge #566 F&AM will conduct a Masonic Service Thursday at 12:30pm in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered to the Lafayette Volunteer Fire Department 7004 Rt. 59, Lewis Run, PA, 16738 or Shriners Hospitals for Children-Erie, 1645 West 8th St., Erie, PA 16505 or the charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com