Eric C. Johnson

Today, we gather to honor and remember our dad, our Pop, our children’s beloved Goobie Pop, and a devoted husband, uncle, brother, and friend.

July 29, 1954 - September 22, 2026

Eric Charles Johnson was born on July 29, 1954, in Poughkeepsie, New York. He attended Franklin Elementary and later Warren Elementary School, Morse Junior High, and Pine Plains High School. He went on to attend Milford Academy, where he earned his high school diploma and excelled in athletics.

Eric continued his education at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. He later earned his Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National University.

Growing up, Eric’s childhood was filled with adventure. He could often be found roaming the neighborhood with his sister, JoAnn, and his little brother, Ritchie. JoAnn proudly boasts that she was her brother’s protector, helping to keep the good times rolling whenever the mischief became a little too mischievous.

They built forts in the IBM parking lot, went to Church Street Hill, and rode pieces of cardboard down snow-filled hills just to have a good time. Those fun-loving, good-spirited, and playful qualities stayed with Eric throughout his life. He carried that same sense of adventure and joy into adulthood, sharing it with his own children and with the countless young people he supported through the Boys & Girls Club and the elementary and junior high schools.

Our dad was a strong man with a very big heart. He was loving, protective, hardworking, and always willing to help his family, his friends, and his community. His personality was larger than life. He could be serious when he needed to be, but he also had a goofy and silly side that brought laughter to so many people. His presence—and his personality—often entered the room before he did.

One of the things that meant the most to our dad was helping young people. He believed in the power of sports to build confidence, create opportunities, and keep children connected to something positive. He gave his time generously and touched the lives of many young people through coaching, mentoring, encouragement, and simply being there.

As a husband and father, he taught us many things—not only about sports and fixing things, but about showing up, working hard, helping others, and taking care of the people we love. He shared his life with his wife, Yvonne, and together they built a family filled with love, memories, laughter, and experiences that we will always cherish.

Some of our most treasured memories are the times he was there with us—encouraging us, teaching us, supporting us, and cheering us on in all of our different activities. He was the kind of dad who showed up. He was present, dependable, and always ready to lend a hand.

We never expected to lose him so soon. He was still full of life, love, and energy, and we truly believed he would come home. We are deeply grateful to the doctors, nurses, and everyone who cared for him and did everything they could to save him. Their compassion and dedication will always be remembered by our family.

Although the pain of losing him is very real, so is the gratitude we feel for having had him in our lives. We are grateful for every laugh, every lesson, every conversation, every hug, every memory, and every moment we were blessed to share with him.

Eric’s life touched many people, and his legacy will continue through his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, his family, his friends, and everyone whose life he made better.

Eric is survived by his wife, Yvonne; his sons, Eric and Jirel; his daughter, Alysia; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his mother, Dorothy Didymus of Poughkeepsie, New York; his father, Bobby Johnson of Clinton Corners, New York; his sisters, Jo Ann Owens and Shanda Johnson; his brothers, Mark Johnson and Richard Didymus; his aunts, Barbara Ann and Peggy Ann; and many cousins, extended family members, and countless friends who loved him dearly.

Dad, we miss you. We wish we had more time with you, but we will always be grateful for the time we did have.

Thank you for loving us, teaching us, protecting us, encouraging us, and always being there.

Thank you for the laughter.

Thank you for the lessons.

Thank you for the memories.

Thank you for being our dad and our Pop.

We love you, Pop.

You will always be in our hearts, and your love will live on through all of us.