George D. Johnson, Sr., 90, of Ambler, Pa., passed away December 21 surrounded by his entire family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Kathleen R. Johnson, who passed in 2019. 

George was the proud father of five children, grandfather of fourteen, and great-grandfather of two. He is survived by children Karen (Ronald) Brown of Hatboro, Pam (Tim) Welkie Genua of Allentown, George (JoAnn) Johnson of Lansdale, Christine (John) Johnson-Hall of Doylestown, and Stephen Johnson of Ambler. His cherished grandchildren include Tara (Andrew) Heilmann, Kerri, and Matthew Brown; Kevin (Schaefer) Johnson, Kate (Ricky) Wheeler, and Kyle Johnson; John (Kate) Welkie, Stephen (Sarah) Welkie, and Lauren Welkie; Nick, Anna, and Josephine Hall; and Jaiden and Paige Johnson. He recently welcomed two great-grandsons, Kieran Welkie and Hayden Wheeler.

He is also survived by his sister, Diane Johnson Caracciolo of Jacksonville, Fla, and dozens of adored nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

George was lucky to have found another love to share his final years with, Elaine Falco of Marlton, N.J. Together they went to concerts, movies, and out to dinner. They took a cruise, traveled to Florida, and enjoyed walking the boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ. She brought joy, companionship and fun into George and his family’s life every day.

Among George’s dearest friends were in-laws Peggy and the late Mike Driscoll, and Kathleen’s brothers and sisters-in-law. He loved music, dancing, and gathering with extended family, said sister-in-law Anne O’Neill.

“He was everybody’s pal,” recalled Peggy Driscoll. “Always the gentleman. He just couldn’t do enough for people.”

George loved sports, especially watching the Philadelphia Eagles and professional golf, storytelling, jokes, comedy, and pranks, and was known for his well-timed quips, quotes, and puns. 

Elaine said she and George would sing Johnny Mathis while driving the car, and enjoyed pulling surprise pranks on each other. “We just had fun being together,” Elaine said, “He was an amazing man. He touched so many people.”

George was a fierce competitor who taught his children to throw a football and play baseball in the backyard of their Hatboro home. One winter George built and lined a large wood frame, flooding it with a hose, and adding spotlights for the kids and neighbors to ice skate at night. He coached his sons’ Horsham Huddlers peewee football team. He loved playing Boggle and Clackers board games and watching comedy shows. On Sunday nights in the summer, he let his children stay up late to catch “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” on WHYY-TV with him. His children remember intense after-dinner ping-pong games in the basement that he refinished, where he would stand each child on a crate so they could reach the table. After dominating the game, George would pick up a shoe or block of wood–even a loaf of bread–for a paddle to make it a fairer fight. Trash talking was part of fun. “I could beat you with a burnt piece of toast.” He almost always won. Later he taught his grandsons to chip and putt golf balls, always served up with a generous side of life lessons. 

Grandson Stephen Welkie recalls countless phone calls from his biggest cheerleader, George, aka Pap, to analyze good shots and bad shots after his high school and Susquehanna University golf matches.

A few years ago, grandson John Welkie said they played together in a competitive scramble with cousins and friends at Shawnee Golf Resort in the Poconos. “He made a big putt for the team then turned to us and said ‘is there anything else you need from me?’” When John would hit a good shot, Pap would say: “That ball came down like a bee with sore feet!”

George and Kathleen welcomed grandchildren on cold soccer and field hockey sidelines with hot cocoa and blankets. They rarely missed a game, recital, or milestone event. They were seen, and heard, cheering heartily from the bleachers of high school and college field hockey, football, soccer, golf, and baseball games, along with gymnastics, band, and dance competitions. Celebrating the sacraments, senior days, and graduations of grandchildren was their delight.

George was one of eleven children born to Margaret and Edward Bernard Johnson of Philadelphia. As the son of a bricklayer, he grew up in Germantown, working alongside his father in masonry and later on his own in the shoe sales business. He was a proud graduate of North Catholic High School and LaSalle College (now University). 

He served with distinction as a captain in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Bragg and Manhattan, Kansas. 

With a gift for negotiation and persuasion, George worked his way up to become vice president of sales at Donnelly Directory (Yellow Pages), where he spent 33 years building lasting partnerships, brainstorming creative and memorable marketing ad campaigns, and enjoying a successful career.

George was a dedicated parishioner at Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church in Ambler. He and Kathleen worked tirelessly to ensure that all five of their children and several of their grandchildren received a private Catholic education, instilling in them the values of faith and service.

A sharp dresser, George often wore a suit with a pocket square and displayed a Secret Service pin to honor a granddaughter currently serving.

After retiring at 58, George returned to his passion for working with his hands, founding his own business building custom decks. He took extreme pride in each project, working well into his 80s with the help of his son, son-in-law, and grandsons. His craftsmanship and dedication were a testament to the work ethic he carried throughout his life.

“Pap brought a passion for each project and meticulously worked to ensure it was completed to his high standard,” recalled grandson Kevin Johnson. “His favorite part of the day was taking a quick break to eat lunch, typically prepared by Gram, giving him a chance to tell stories and share his wisdom/advice.There was truly a life lesson with every job!” 

George relished time surrounded by Elaine, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His legacy of love, faith, and hard work will live on in all of them.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Alphonsus Church, Ambler, Pa., on Friday, December. 27 at noon. Viewing at the church is from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Interment will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation online at T2T.org

 George will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.