Obituary of Samuel William Johnson

Samuel William Johnson, age 85, died peacefully on Monday, February 12, 2018, at JFK Haven Hospice in Edison. Sam was a lifelong resident of Plainfield. Sam (aka "Butsy") met the love of his life, Barbara Mercelis, in high school and, together, graduated from Bucknell University in 1954. They were married upon graduation and headed to Germany where Sam served 2 years in the US Army. Sam spent his entire 38-year career at PSE&G in various managerial roles, retiring in 1994. Sam and Barbara were married for almost 60 years, lovingly raised 5 children and proudly loved & supported 8 grandchildren. Sam was an athlete, an avid golfer, a huge sports fan and passionate supporter of the Bucknell Bison basketball team, and loved to "go to the office" (OTB)! Sam spent his retirement years as a basketball and soccer referee for local youth & HS sports into his mid-70s. He loved cheering on all of his grandchildren in 3 states & sharing in their achievements. His family will miss his sharp wit, corny jokes, and famous trivia games. Predeceased by his loving wife Barbara in 2014 and son-in-law Edward Carey III in February, 2018, Sam is survived by his brother, Rick Johnson, his children – Bill Johnson, Susan Johnson Allen & her husband Dave, Jill Carey, Darby J. Flood & her husband Gene, and Jeff Johnson & his wife Caryn; and 8 grandchildren – Gene, Sam, & Olivia Flood; Katie, Edward, & Barbara Carey; and Trey & Julia Johnson. The family will hold a private ceremony celebrating Sam next month. To honor Sam, memorial donations may be made to the Plainfield Area Humane Society. And … Go Bucknell!