Albert N. Johnson Obituary

Albert N. Johnson, 71, of Rockport, MA, passed away surrounded by his loving children and family members in the ICU of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston on Thursday, November 10, 2022, after a very challenging, brief battle with cancer.

Born in the Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester, MA, on September 17, 1951, the son of the late Karl A. Johnson and Marion (Norberg) Johnson. Al was ALWAYS very quick to quip, "I lived and grew up in Pigeon Cove, not Rockport, till I was 14 years old.". He clearly remembered life as a very young child growing into adolescence in a quasi-self-contained village separated from Rockport by a granite bridge. He often remarked about a happy childhood building treehouses and huts in the woods along the tracks, fishing off Cathedral Rocks and Pigeon Cove Wharf, swimming in Mason's Pit, Pine Pit and the Steel Derick Quarry (and never being told to get out). Ice skating on Oregon Pond, a small, three foot deep, body of water in the woods, pick up hockey games still being discussed sixty years later and playing whatever sport was in season down the "Pahk", Pingree Park.

Having these childhood experiences, one might wonder if Al grew up in Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn's world or in another time with Spanky, Alfalfa and the Kids. Life in the Cove was idyllic.

Al graduated from Rockport High School in 1969. He was an excellent student enrolled in a challenging college prep course load. Being selected for membership in the National Honor Society was a goal he achieved. Being involved in student activities was very important to him. Membership in the student council led to being elected as the Student Council President in his senior year. Membership in the competitive math club, and also the drama club filled his plate. Al was selected by the faculty to represent R.H.S. at the 1969 Boys' State conference hosted by U Mass-Amherst.

Athletically he lettered in track, basketball and baseball. He was elected co-captain of the baseball team junior and senior years.

He was forever grateful to have been called up to the basketball varsity team his sophomore year that won the 1967 Tech Tournament; played on the famous parquet floor of the old Boston Garden on March 17. Having attended many Celtic games with his Dad; it was a thrill to "take the court" where the Celtic greats played and made history.

After high school graduation Al enrolled in Salem State in September 1969 and fulfilled all requirements leading to his college graduation in May 1973 with a B.S. in Social Services. Al got a position with Massachusetts Electric where he worked for twenty-eight years. Issues with heart health forced him to discontinue his employment and to go on medical disability leave.

Several community endeavors were of interest to Al. He served on the Rockport Recreation Committee, was a member of the Rotary Club while assigned to the Cape Ann area, served as moderator of the First Congregational Church of Rockport, served as president of the Pigeon Cove Boat Owners' Association during the "battle for Pigeon Cove Harbor" saving the ownership of the harbor due to the efforts of the PC.B.A., and it was ultimately given to the Town of Rockport. Serving on the board of directors of the Sandy Bay Historical Society brought him pleasure. He loved Rockport in the present and especially in its past.

Al was a longtime member of the Cape Ann Y.M.C.A. where many close friendships were made and continued throughout his life. He was on the first Board of Directors of the Wellspring Community Land Trust and was on the committee to put lights in Newell Stadium.

Throughout the years participating in all levels of baseball-little league up to town team took up much of his time, as did adult league basketball including the "way over forty "weekly games. Coaching little league baseball and middle school basketball in Rockport gave him great pleasure.

In his later years his love of sports turned to golf. He joined the Rockport Golf Club in 2014, and he worked part time the past two years in its pro shop.

Al found much amusement and enjoyment hosting Friday night poker games with high school buddies. He joined his cousin-turned brother-Ray Makkonen on a golf trip to Hawaii-a trip of his lifetime. Al looked back affectionally when he reflected on the years he went lobstering with his Swedish immigrant grandfather, Carl F. Norberg, A.K.A. Papa.

Al was predeceased by his son Peter Johnson, his parents Karl A. Johnson and Marion (Norberg) Johnson, his infant brother John F. Johnson, his grandparents John A. Johnson and Annie (Young) Johnson, Carl F. Norberg and Carin (Nelson) Norberg.

His is survived by sister Karen Anderson (Russell), their children Carole Roberts (Christopher) and Douglas Anderson (Lynne); sister Janice Ramsden (George), their children Karl Ramsden (Kelly) and Hans Ramsden (Laurie); his six children: Rebecca Staffiere, Amanda Orlando (A. J.), Kristina Moore (Ryan), Julia Johnson, Bridget Johnson and Brendan Johnson.

His is survived by ten grandchildren: Adrian, Joseph, Nikolas Tyler, Elizabeth, Nolan, Lillian, Easton, Jack and Violet.

His is also survived by his cousin-turned brother- Ray Makkonen, and his "best friend" Otis, his golden retriever.

Al was a man of faith, a faith he openly practiced and quietly lived. Day in and day out family first was always at the top of his 'to do list followed closely by time with his dogs and in third place on that list was time spent in the woods boarding the fairways and beyond searching for many of his lost gold balls. Al took so much joy in being a father, a much loved dad to his children and Grampy to his grandchildren. He was a nurturing dad instilling his values, hopes and dreams that have become a part of whom they are today.

Al had friends from all walks of life in every corner of Cape Ann. He enjoyed spending time with them, always greeting them with that contagious smile and handshake.

Visiting hours will be held in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington St. Gloucester, MA, on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, from 4-7 p.m. Family and friends are cordially invited. His service will be on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at 11 am in the First Congregational Church, 12 School St. Rockport, followed by his burial in Beech Grove Cemetery in Rockport. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Cape Ann Animal Aid, 4 Paws Lane, Gloucester, MA 01930 or Sandy Bay Historical Society, 40 King St. Rockport, MA 01966.