Obituary of Arde H. Johnson, Jr.

Arde Harris Johnson, Jr. passed away suddenly on Monday morning, February 1, 2021, at the age of 72 years. The family will be holding a small, private ceremony, but are preparing a memorial video they will share online so others can safely participate with their own remembrance later this month. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Pennsville Fire & Rescue Company via check to 91 First Street, Pennsville, NJ 08070. Arde is predeceased by father Arde Harris Johnson, Sr., mother Virginia Hand Johnson, and daughter Kristy Johnson Killen. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Susan Leonard Johnson and children Kelly (Michael) Del Tufo, and Arde (Joyce), and grandchildren Jeremy, Derrick, Matt (Jacy), Bradley, Ashley, Sofia, Jake, Logan, and great-granddaughter Emmi. He is lovingly remembered by his siblings Elizabeth (Steve) Hires, Donnie (Lois), Walter (Margie), Patricia (Rick) Smith, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends too numerous to name. A graduate of Pennsville Memorial High School and Salem County Vocational Technical School, he was a member of the Carpenters Union Local 542 for 25 years and was the go-to craftsman for many special projects for his friends. As a Life Member of the Pennsville Fire & Rescue Company, he volunteered many hours over his 56 years, keeping the township safe. He was a Little League coach and an avid softball player. He loved the outdoors and could often be found fishing by the Delaware River or clamming in the back bays of Ocean City, NJ. Hunting deer and turkey and making annual trips to participate in ATV charity runs were favorite hobbies. He also loved spending time with his friends at the Salem County Sportsmen's Club. He struck fear in the hearts of opponents at washer, horseshoe, and dart tournaments. He lived big, and he lived broadly. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, and friend. He will be missed by many.