Obituary: Theodore Saunders Johnson, 82, of Southbury

Information via Carpino Funeral Home

Theodore Saunders Johnson passed away after a long illness at River Glen Health Care in Southbury surrounded by family. Ted was born on March 29, 1934 in Hartford, Connecticut. He was the first child of Gladys (Purinton) Johnson and Harold S. Johnson.

He married Gay Dolores Pomeroy in 1956 in Torrington, CT. He joined the ROTC while studying at the University of Connecticut, attended U.S. Army language school, and was stationed in Germany for the balance of his service. Education was an important part of Ted’s life.

In addition to earning degrees in math and business, he taught math at Swift Junior High School in Oakville, CT for 22 years as well as teaching at The Taft School, Naugatuck Valley Community College and Post College.

Integral to Ted’s educational style was his ability to meet the learner at his own level and his love of computers and knowledge of programming. These interests he passed on to many of his students from the earliest days of the advent of the personal computer.

He was a self-taught magician since the age of 8, eventually donning a clown suit and the persona of “Mr. Ruffles” to perform magic shows at local venues. He offered tutoring and “Squeaky Clean” entertainment programs under his C-TEACH brand. Ted loved all types of music, in particular Broadway hits, folk pieces, hymns, and satirical songs.

He composed several songs for which he received copyright from the Library of Congress. He enjoyed poetry and clever wordplay. Ted shared his love of music and the guitar with his family and many others. As a Christian, he faithfully contributed his musical talent and time to churches and nursing homes in Middlebury, Waterville, Oakville, and Southbury.

He also donated to many missionary organizations and Operation Christ Child. He is survived by his sister, Patricia Johnson-Mancinelli; former spouse Gay P. Johnson-Steiner; children Theodore S. Johnson Jr. and his wife, Mimi Boston Johnson; Glinda G. Johnson-Medland and her husband, Tom; Michelle R. Johnson; and Naomi B. Johnson; grandchildren Amy Johnson McNichol, Elizabeth Johnson, and Zachary A. and Josiah G. Johnson- Medland; and several great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Norma Jean (Vaillette) Johnson and his good friend, Jeanne Fellone.

Donations may be made in his name to Lewey Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road, S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047.In the spirit of my father’s love of education, take a few minutes to learn about this difficult disease at LBDA.org.

A service will be held at Carpino Funeral Home, 750 Main Street South, Southbury, on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. For online condolences, please visit www.carpinofuneralhome.com