Ernie Johnson

Clarence “Ernie” Johnson, 72, of Murrysville, passed away Thursday, January 26, 2023, at Forbes Hospital, after a long and courageous fight with cancer. He was born November 5, 1950 in Rochester, PA, son of the late Benjamin and Kathryn Johnson. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by siblings, Donovan Johnson, Elaine (Lenny) Yarborough, Charlotte (Hank) Comeau, and Benjamin Johnson, and his in-laws, Edward and Margaret McMahon. 

Ernie had countless friends and was the life of the party, even while struggling in his illness. He was a gifted conversationalist who would engage with anyone, anywhere. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren, Archie and Marjorie, and often could be heard embellishing the achievements of his two children, Josh and Jessie.

Prior to his retirement in 2011, he worked 40 years for Norfolk Southern Railroad (and predecessor railroads, Conrail and Penn Central) as a Supervisor in the Communications and Signal department across the Northeast region. His tireless work ethic propelled him from his humble Kentucky beginnings.

Ernie’s favorite hobby was motorcycles, being a professional drag racer in his early days and taking many cross-country road trips later in life. A true adrenaline junkie, he also loved watching NASCAR and drove amateur stock cars. In addition, he was a skilled woodworker and enjoyed tinkering with anything mechanical.

Ernie is survived by his wife, Kathleen (McMahon) Johnson; two children, Joshua (Jennifer) Johnson and Jessica (Robert Baumbach) Johnson; two grandchildren, Archie and Marjorie Johnson; and two step-grandchildren, Leo and Eli Baumbach. He is also survived by a brother, James (Fran) Johnson; brother-in-law, George (Dawn) McMahon; sisters-in-law, Jane McMahon, Patricia (Larry) Vecchi and Lois (Donald) Geffel; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation is from 12 to 2 p.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, February 5, 2023, at Hart Funeral Home, Inc., Murrysville. A Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Monday, February 6, 2023, at Mother of Sorrows Parish, Murrysville. For online condolences, please visit www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. 

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