Friday, March 6th, 2015
Donald Johnson
Donald E. Johnson, 72, died peacefully on Feb. 26, 2015, at Good Samaritan Hospice, where he was surrounded by close family, friends and loving hospice staff.
Don was born Sept. 10, 1942, in Van Wert, to Ervin and Leota Pangle Johnson. His father is deceased and his mother survives in the Rockford area. Don was a loving husband to his wife, Gerry Johnson, who also survives.
Also surviving are his daughters, Lesley Bach and Jodi Tonarelli, both of Pittsburgh, Pa.; his son-in-law, Ed Tonarelli, Pittsburgh; his grandchildren, Morgan Schrankel, Madison Tonarelli, Bethany Tonarelli and Anthony Bach; and two sisters, Diana (Paul) Hines and Sue Wenning.
Also deceased are a brother, Robert "Dick" Johnson, and a sister-in-law, Brenda Johnson.
Don graduated from The Ohio State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in social work. While working as a social worker for Starr Commonwealth, a center and home for delinquent boys, he went on to obtain his master's degree in social work from Syracuse University.
In 1973, he joined the U.S. Army as a social worker for four years. He served as a captain in the community services program for the military families division. Throughout his professional and personal life, he worked to transform communities through the following organizations: the Community Center for Teens, Orrville and Starr Commonwealth Recreation Program; he assisted directors of the mental health centers in eastern Ohio; the Steubenville Mural Project, the Toronto High School Band Parents Association and Toronto girls softball.
At age 38, Don changed careers to join the Equitable Life Assurance Society (now known as AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company). His former colleagues remember him as a true gentleman and friend, always professional and honest, a team player.
Don experienced success in his career as a financial planner, receiving numerous awards and acknowledgements including Order of Excalibur, Hallmark 2 and induction into the company's hall of fame.
He loved nature and practiced environmental conservation. He created gardens everywhere. Don enjoyed hiking, watching and caring for birds and butterflies, farming and horses. He adored watching thoroughbred horse racing and later owned and entered into partnerships of thoroughbreds with Stephen Ford Jr. and also West Point Thoroughbreds LLC.
Don had a love for rocks and minerals, from collection and tumbling to giving them as gifts. He was a fan of sports, specifically Ohio State football, auto racing, Pirates baseball, Steelers football and golfing.
Don was an avid reader with interests ranging from philosophy to mysteries. He loved participating in and appreciating art including photography, painting, acting, singing, musicals and movies. Other hobbies and interests included traveling, card playing and casino gambling. Don most enjoyed gatherings with his family. He was a mentor to many in both his professional and personal lives.
A memorial service is noon April 18 at Schellhaas Funeral Home, 1600 Stone Mansion Drive, Sewickley, PA 15143.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Good Samaritan Hospice, 146 Neely School Road, Wexford, PA 15090; Thoroughbred Charities of America, P.O. Box 910668, Lexington, KY 40591; and Habitat for Humanity, 121 Habitat St., Americus, GA 31709-3498.
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