Obituary of Gilbert N. Johnson

JOHNSON, Gilbert N. Age 97 of Elmira, NY. He was born August 24, 1919 in Morris Run, PA, son of the late Charles and Maria (Payne) Johnson and passed away Thursday, September 29, 2016 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center. He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Edith Ramberg Johnson on March 17, 2009 and is survived by his daughter Sharon (William Hurley) Mashanic of Elmira; sister-in-law Betty Ramberg of Erwin, NY; special nephews James W. Allen and G. Wendell Hand of Pine City, Carl (Camille) Johnson of Dothan, AL; special nieces Shelley Pierri of Erwin, NY and Jeanette White of Horseheads along with several grand nieces and nephews. Gib was a well respected tool and die and model maker at Remington Rand. He had a brilliant mind and his suggestions for his injection mold invention saved the company time and money. After Rand closed, he was employed with Thatcher Research and was commended for his high standards and work ethic. He was exempt from being drafted during WWII as he was married and had a one year old daughter, however, he saw it as his patriotic duty to serve his country so he enlisted in the U.S. Navy leaving his wife and daughter to live with her parents while he was gone. He was honorably discharged and reunited with his family. Gib was the oldest member of Bethany Lutheran Church and served for many years on the property committee. He was an excellent carpenter and the beautiful cross he created has been placed above the altar. His memberships include the Ilion (NY) Olive Branch Lodge # 40, F & AM for over 65 years and the American Legion, Clarence R. Oliver Post 154, Elmira Heights for over 48 years. One of his finer qualities was simplicity. He lived by important values – Honesty, Integrity and fairness to everyone. His happy attitude and infectious smile will be missed. He was loved by everyone. His daughter Sharon wants to thank the Elmira Fire Department EMT's, the physicians and staff in the emergency room at the Arnot Ogden who took wonderful care of him when he was there and am so thankful for Dr. Greenberg, Dr. Massa and all the other physicians and the wonderful staff and nurses on the 5th floor for their dedication, loving care and kindness they gave Dad during his last days. Sharon also thanks all the dedicated staff and volunteers who delivered Meals on Wheels each day, rain or shine, or with many obstacles they had to endure when delivering his meals these past few months, I will never forget your kindness. Family and friends are invited to visit Walter J. Kent Funeral Home, 858 Lake St. at Washington Ave., Elmira on Monday, October 3rd from 4 to 7 pm. His funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 4th at 11 am in Bethany Lutheran Church, 256 S. Walnut St., Elmira. Rev. Krista Mendoza will officiate. Committal prayers and interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. Those wishing may remember Gib through donations to Meals on Wheels of Chemung County, 150 Fox St., Elmira, NY 14901 or Bethany Lutheran Church, 256 S. Walnut St., Elmira, NY 14904.