Dewey L. Johnson

Mr. Dewey L. Johnson, 95, Salamanca, New York, died April 11, 2021 at the Olean General Hospital, Olean, New York.

Born September 2, 1925 in Salamanca, New York, he was the son of the late Earl L. and Hazel L. Easton Johnson. He was married on July 17, 1954 to the former Mrs. Barbara L. Frenz, who predeceased him in 2014.

Mr. Johnson was a veteran of the United States Navy serving in the Pacific Theatre during WWII from 1943 to 1946. He served aboard the U.S.S. Norman Scott DD#690 (seven battle stars) and was wounded in the battle of Tinian. He was placed aboard a hospital ship and taken to New Caledonia to recover. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his actions during the battle. He then served aboard the U.S.S. Greenwood DE#679 (two battle stars).

Mr. Johnson was employed by L. B. Hartman prior to enlisting in the Navy. After his military service, he was employed by Borden’s Can Machinery Operations in Randolph, NY for 24 years and then by Alcoa in Randolph, NY for 3 years.

Dewey enjoyed family, friends, woodworking, metal working, genealogy, reading, and watching the backyard wildlife.

Mr. Johnson was a member of the Riverside Chapel, the former Kissinger United Methodist Church, Salamanca, New York.

Surviving family members are: two sons, Dana (Renata) Johnson, Jacksonville, FL and Kevin (Susan) Johnson, Cary, NC; one daughter, Dawn (David) Morton, Centre Hall, PA; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sisters, Dorothy Terhune and Joyce Siperek.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 from 11 am – 12pm, at which time funeral services will be held with Rev. Michael Trenchard officiating.

Burial will be in Crawford Cemetery, Salamanca, New York.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.oroukefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.