Pete Johnson

Einar A. (Pete) Johnson, 85, formerly of Ashland, Massachusetts, passed away on June 10th in Bonita Springs, Florida, after a long period of declining health.  He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Ruth (Potvin) Johnson. 

Pete grew up in Newton and then Sudbury, Massachusetts. He operated service stations for many years, first in Ashland, then in Framingham, and then owned and operated Marlboro Motor Parts, in Marlboro, MA, for many years.  He loved spending time at Newfound Lake, New Hampshire, where he built a family summer home over the course of many decades. For nearly 50 years this was the family’s favorite gathering place.  He developed a love of kayaking and went on to sell kayaks and canoes at Newfound Lake during his retirement. Pete was an active member of the Ashland Massachusetts Lions Club, at one point serving as President. After 20 years as snowbirds between Ashland, MA and Naples, FL, he and Ruthie settled happily in Bonita Springs, Florida, with their beloved dog, Cookie. Pete had a very outgoing personality and made many friends throughout his lifetime.

In addition to his wife, Pete is survived by his son David Johnson and his wife, Juliet, of Spring, TX, his daughter Jill Sanford and her husband, Steve, of Mattapoisett, MA, and his son Wayne Johnson and his wife Nicole, of Naples, FL. He leaves his granddaughter, Amy Johnson and her husband Jonny Manzanarez, and his great-grandson, Tyler Manzanarez, all of Key West, FL.  He also leaves his grandchildren Kara Sanford of North Attleborough, MA, Sean Sanford of New York, NY, and is predeceased by his grandson Daniel Sanford. Pete is survived by many nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be celebrated at the Fuller Funeral Home in Naples, Florida, with burial to follow at a later date at Wildwood cemetery, Ashland, Massachusetts.  Donations in Pete’s name may be made at https://hsnaples.org to the Humane Society Naples.