Honor Simeon Johnson’s Legacy

August 14, 1941, to Ophelia and Frank Johnson Sr.; and WHEREAS, Affectionately known to family and friends as "Sam" or "Son," he attended Ebenezer High School in Dalzell, South Carolina, and graduated in 1960; one year later, he relocated to New York City for a better life and employment opportunities; and WHEREAS, In 1966, Simeon Johnson was drafted to the United States Armed Forces and proudly served his country as a skilled watercraft operator of the Army during the Vietnam War for two years; for his meritorious service, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and multiple Outstanding Performance of Duty citations; and WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on May 2, 1968, Simeon Johnson returned to New York and married the former Mary Smalls, and together, they moved to the Bronx and raised, their six children; and WHEREAS, Simeon Johnson worked for the United States Postal Service as a clerk and mail handler for a short time before enrolling in Roberts' Technical and Trade School where he received his trade certificate in auto body repair and refinishing in March of 1969; and WHEREAS, Simeon Johnson then began his long and esteemed career as an auto body and fender repair technician with Iota Taxi Garage; in

1972, he moved on to G&M Service Management Corporation for four years and then went on to Dalk Services Corporation, where he served for 21 years until he retired; and WHEREAS, In addition to his strong work ethic, Simeon Johnson was known and will always be remembered as a kind-hearted, thoughtful, honorable, hardworking, humble and faithful man of God, who loved and cherished his family; and WHEREAS, This quiet, unassuming man had a wonderful personality and quick wit and enjoyed listening to classic blues songs and cooking; he could often be found watching his favorite television shows and movies, and was an avid sports fan, especially basketball, football and boxing; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, his brother Frank Johnson Jr., sister Martha Gibbs, niece Alfreda Gibbs, and the love of his life, Mary; Simeon Johnson is survived by his four daughters, Karen, Sheila, Simone, and Shameka; two sons, Keith and Shawn; one brother, Booker T. Johnson; three cousins, Lottie Geraldine Lowery, Betty McQuillar-Jackson and Russell Lowery; four nephews, Leon, John, Franklin and Darren; one sister-in-law, Francis Robinson; one son-in-law, Mike Baratta and many other family members and close friends; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Simeon Johnson leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Simeon Johnson, Army veteran, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Simeon Johnson.