Peter J. Johnson of Hicksville, 88, passed to eternal life on February 25, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Pete grew up in Brooklyn and served as a “Tin Can Sailor” aboard the destroyer, Myles C. Fox, in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He joined the NYPD, served as a motorcycle officer (Hwy. 2 & 3) and retired as a sergeant.
Pete served in honorary motorcades supporting astronauts, visiting dignitaries, Popes and Presidents. He served as an insurance claims specialist for Flying Tigers (later Federal Express) at J.F. Kennedy Airport. Pete was a proud member of the Hicksville American Legion and the Catholic War Veterans—serving in both group’s Memorial Day color guard for decades. He was a dedicated member of the Joseph Barry Council of the Knights of Columbus in Hicksville, delivering hundreds of turkeys to those in need during the holidays. He was a 58-year parishioner of Holy Family Church in Hicksville and was a 50-year donor to the mission of Holy Trinity High School.
From extremely humble beginnings, Pete exhibited to all who knew him, a life of charity, compassion and love. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Jean. He will be dearly missed by his children Jim (Sheridan), Pete (Patty), Jean (Fred) and Joe (Suzan). He will forever be “Poppy” to his 8 beloved grandchildren; Brad, Debbie, Dawn, Peter, Carly, Selene, Joseph and Brian. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Gertrude and Joseph, his brother, Robert and his sister Margaret. He is survived by his loving sister, Rosemary Esposito of Tucson and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kathy and Col. William McGuth of Virginia.
Reposing at Vernon C. Wagner Funeral Home, 125 W. Old Country Road, Hicksville on Friday, March 2nd, 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at Holy Family Church, Fordham Avenue, Hicksville on Saturday, March 3, at 9:45 a.m. Interment Holy Rood Cemetery, Westbury.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Companions in Courage Foundation (www.CiC16.org), or a charity of your choice.
