SAUGERTIES - William H. Johnson, 85, died peacefully on August 16th, 2021. Born May 2, 1936 in Kingston, NY he was known to most as "Wicky" or "Wick". He enjoyed his youth and retirement years in his beloved hometown of Saugerties.
His life-long military career began by joining the Navy 1953-1957 where he was deemed a Trusty Shellback aboard the USS Dortch in 1955. A true sailor at heart, he reenlisted in 1960 by joining the Coast Guard where he remained until he retired as Master Chief in 1983. As a boilerman, he spent a lot of time at sea and was able to travel the world while underway on USCGC vessels Arbutus, Campbell, Chautauqua, Half Moon, and Vigilant earning a Cutterman designation. He also held duty assignments in recruiting, machinery technician, transportation, and marine environmental protection. Over the years, he was stationed in NY, PA, ME, HI, VA, WV, MA, FL, and MD. He received numerous good conduct awards, letters of appreciation, CG Meritorious Commendation ribbon, Expert Pistol and Rifle Shot medals, and honorable discharge.
An active member of Lamouree-Hackett American Legion Post 72, in his retirement years he enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow veterans most of all. Known as a minimalist with a very strong will and little need to conform to status quo standards, Wick had a great sense of ironic humor that underscored his pragmatic view of life.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Patricia A. Johnson (Dan Brown), his grand-daughter, Lacey Ann Brown and great-grand daughter, Kehlani Quinn Carpenter, as well as many other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by a son, Robert Charles, and daughter, Kathryn M. Johnson. He loved his family, was loved, and will be greatly missed as a father, brother, and friend.
A graveside service with full military honors will be held 2:00 pm, Sunday, August 22, 2021 at Blue Mt. Cemetery. Lamouree-Hackett Post #72 American Legion will provide the military honors. Friends my call Sunday from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm at Buono Funeral Service, Inc. Please offer you condolences for William and his family online at www.BuonoFuneralService.com .