Obituary: Ed Johnson, 79, of Branford

Information via W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home

Ed Johnson, of Branford, passed away on December 23, 2016 following a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Ed was born in Washington, DC on September 12, 1937, a son of the late Edward C. Johnson and Dorothy Dana Darby Johnson. Ed was a graduate of the University Of Virginia School Of Architecture, where he was president of his senior class.

He was a partner in his architectural firm of Johnson and Michalsen. Ed and his partner, Marvin Michalsen, designed over 100 buildings and homes in Branford alone. He also taught architecture at Yale University for 11 years.

Ed loved antique clocks and out of this interest he created Clocktower Antiques in Branford which he owned and operated for 21 years. Ed also built and owned Griffing Pond Stables in Pine Orchard. In addition to his own horse, Ed boarded other horses at the stable.

Ed was very active in Branford Politics. He was a former chairman of the Branford Democratic Town Committee. He was a former president of the Pine Orchard Association, a former president of the Branford Rotary and a former member of the Young Park Commission. Ed was a former director of the Connecticut Society of Architects and a member of the American Institute of Architects.

Ed enjoyed sailing for many years. Ed loved traveling and in particular the island of Antigua in the Caribbean. One of his favorite places on the island was Admiral's Inn with its rich history and architecture associated with Admiral Nelson and the British Navy.

Ed leaves behind his beloved second wife, Mary Welch. He was predeceased by his first wife of 42 years, Kristen Louise Artis. Ed and Kris had three children, Heidi (James Donnelly), Paul (Susan) and Sybil (Harley Kaplan). Ed also leaves his step-daughter, Jennifer Swirsky (Thomas Golia). Ed also leaves seven grandchildren, Spenser Johnson, Savannah Johnson, Eliza Kaplan, Maya Kaplan, Jonah Kaplan, Niall Johnson and Bridget Donnelly.

Ed was a true southern gentleman. He always saw the best in people. He will be truly missed by his loving family and many friends. He and Mary were so happy to have found each other after both having lost their spouses to untimely deaths. They brought joy to each other's lives.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter, 749 East Main Street, Branford, CT 06405.