Obituary of David W. Johnson

April 13, 2015 David W, Johnson, 83, of Syracuse NY, passed away peacefully on April 13. Born on October 2, 1931, in Canastota NY, son of Paul Johnson and Gertrude Van Arnum, he served in the U.S. Navy. Dave worked at Cooper Decoration Co, for 41 years until retiring in 2001. He was a devoted husband and father who loved spending time with his family and friends. Dave was actively involved with Elmwood Little League for 20 years where he coached, umpired and became president, and having the Elmwood Little League field formally named David Johnson Field by the Syracuse Common Council in 1977. He had a dry sense of humor, a warm and loving personality and a deep love for his grandchildren, Bruce, Shannon, Rachael, Peter Jr., Todd, Davina, Angel, Chris, Sue, Zak, Ben, Lexi and Chelsea, who meant everything to him. Holidays were special to Dave, especially Christmas, decorating the inside and outside for all the neighbors to see. Dave loved his dogs, Max, Chia, Sandy and Buddy, often treating them as his children. After retirement David spent many hours reading and listening to music, but his most precious moments were spent with his wife, Mary, playing Scrabble and Yahtzee at the kitchen table. David will be remembered as a people person who always opened his arms to others and clearly understood what it meant to be a husband, father and friend. David was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Mary (2002), his son Fred (1997) and daughter Jackie (1995).Surviving are his son, David (Betty),of Syracuse ;his daughters Wendy (Peter) Serino, of Saratoga Springs NY, Becki Trichilo, of Syracuse; daughter-in-law Natalie of Syracuse; brothers Richard Johnson and Tom Van Arnum, Liverpool NY; sisters Darlene Adamy (Carl), Barbara Schell, Syracuse and 16 great grandchildren. Family and friends may call on Thursday 4:00 to 7:00 PM Hollis Funeral Home 1105 West Genesee St, Syracuse NY. Services will be held Friday 10 AM Hollis Funeral Home. Burial services will follow at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Syracuse. Family request instead of flowers that contributions In David’s memory be made to the CNYSPCA 5878 East Malloy Rd, Syracuse NY13211 or ONLINE at www.cnyspca.org