William J. Johnson, 68, of Mattapoisett died June 10, 2018 unexpectedly at home.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Owen L. and Lillian (Normandin) Johnson, he grew up in Fairhaven, but lived in Mattapoisett most of his life.
Although he spent time as a photographer in Detroit, the majority of his life was spent as a commercial fisherman. Working mostly as a dragger, he spent over 30 years sailing from New Bedford harbor. He loved being at sea from his days as a child on the waters off Sconticut Neck, his years serving the Navy during Vietnam, to being on any one of his own boats from Buzzards Bay to Key West. Sailing last on his cutter ketch “The Rights of Man,” he truly loved being on the ocean. He loved having fun. He loved his friends, but mostly he loved his family. He was a truly unique man and will be terribly missed.
Survivors include his son Nils Johnson and his wife Jennifer Johnson, his step sons Mark Kroninger and his wife Erin Kroninger, Kurt Kroninger and his wife Wendy Kroninger. Five grandsons Kai Johnson, Jax Johnson, Wes Kroninger, Cole Kroninger, Kurt Kroninger Jr., granddaughter Katelyn Kroninger and his companion Connie Root.
His Memorial Service will be held on Friday, June 29th at 4 pm at the Seamen’s Bethel, 15 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford. A reception will immediately follow at Reservation golf course, 10 Reservation Road, Mattapoisett. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For online guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.
