Kenneth G. Johnson, 86

Kenneth G. Johnson, 86, of Franklin, passed away peacefully on Dec. 12, 2024, with his loving wife of 66 years by his side.

Ken was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1938 to Mildred Nilson Johnson and Harold Johnson, where he lived until moving to Holden at the age of 14. Ken graduated from Wachusett Regional High School where he played football and baseball and met his future wife — Barbara. Upon graduation Ken and Barbara both attended Upsala College in New Jersey.

In 1958, Ken and Barbara were married, and in 1960, after graduation, they moved back to Massachusetts, where they started their family. They spent many of their years in Sterling, Holden and Princeton, raising their family in these communities. Ken and the family were active members of the Immanual Lutheran Church in Holden.

Ken took a position in sales with Johnson Electronics for several years before he stepped in and took control of his father’s business (that was started in his dad’s cellar) ECC Corporation after his father’s passing. Here, Ken and his team at ECC led the company to be a leader in the U.S. printed circuit board industry.

Ken was a 63-year member of Trinity Lodge of Masons. Throughout Ken’s life he and his family enjoyed skiing and snowmobiling in Holden, Princeton and Waterville Valley. In later years Ken and Barbara enjoyed many days on the golf courses at Harbour Ridge in Palm City, Florida, Owls Nest in Thornton, as well as the Worcester Country Club in Worcester, Massachusetts. Ken was also an avid New England sports fan.

As Ken and Barbara entered their retirement years, they lived in Palm City, Florida, as well as Waterville Valley, before settling in Franklin. What Ken loved most was spending time with his beautiful and loving wife and family.

Ken was predeceased by his daughters Cathi Jean Johnson and Susan Johnson Michael.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Barbara; his two sons, Bruce Johnson and Cheryl Dunn (his life partner) of Franklin and his son Paul Johnson of Hinesburg, Vermont; two grandchildren, Catherine Michael and Trey Michael, both of Burlington, Vermont; his sister, Beverly Johnson-Morrilly of West Boylston, Massachusetts; and nieces Lynn McQuoid of Bolton, Massachusetts, and Lisa McGovern of Cape Cod.

The family would like to thank the staff at Merrimack County Nursing Home in Boscawen, for their kindness and care received by Ken while there and for their compassion and kindness towards the family as well.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.