Earl Blair Johnson

1936 - 2020

Earl Johnson was born on October 29, 1936, in Marlborough, Massachusetts, to Sylvia and Erling Johnson.  He graduated in 1959 from Atlantic Union College with a Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Music Education.

Upon Graduating, Johnson was employed by AirCo Corporation in Massachusetts in their management/development training program. In 1961, he moved to California to be music director at Mountain View Academy and continued his education, working toward a Master's in Education at San Jose State and Pacific Union College in Angwin. 

He was at the Academy until 1968 when he became assistant manager of Chapel Records, then manager in 1977, for Pacific Press Publishing Association.  When Pacific Press relocated out of the area, Mr. Johnson changed his career and owned Cox Realtors until his retirement in 1991.  From 1992-1994 he was personnel manager of Advance Titan Security in Mountain View and started Quality Gardener Service in 1994.

During his career in education, and in real estate, he was community-minded, serving as president of the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce, member of the Mountain View Planning Commission, treasurer of the Mountain View Rotary Club, president of the Board of Realtors, and president of the Mountain View Central Business Association.

He was known for his generous spirit and fun-loving, positive attitude.  As a teacher, he was a positive influence on students and members in his musical groups.  His musical ability was evident the quality of his many performing groups and in his work as soloist. He was a participant in the Fred Waring Summer Chorus, attended a gospel music concert at the White House hosted by President and Mrs. Carter, and toured on the west coast for many years with the Chapel Singers, a group he conducted. 

He was active for many years on area golf courses and on various softball teams -  he was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox, as well as the San Francisco Giants, after moving to California.  

In retirement, he enjoyed being the "designated birthday singer" at Brian's Restaurant in Los Altos, and appreciated Jeannie and Brian Whitlock permitting him to perform there; he also appreciated the lunch fellowship with manager, Lisa Chiorello, Francisco, and Alma at the Olive Garden Restaurant in Milpitas, and the assistance and friendship of Valerie and everyone at Pezzella's in Sunnyvale.  His lunch "route" added much to his week

When he began to need care because of health problems related to diabetes, Charles, Jacob, Samantha C., Nisi, Linda and Vicky brightened his days and helped him face difficult situations.   

He was living in Sunnyvale, California , when he died on  November 14, 2020, at age 84. He is survived by his wife, Edwina; daughters Debbie (David) Ojala of Sunnyvale, Kathy (James) Felice of Gilroy; the mother of his children, Barbara Johnson, of Santa Clara; granddaughters, Katie Ojala, her fiance', Robb, and Samantha (Connelly) Felice-Doan.  

Dan Shultz/2021    

Source: https://spanglermortuary.com/tribute/details/1202/Earl-Johnson/obituary.html.