Herbert J. Johnson, Jr.

Herbert J. Johnson, Jr., 92, of Springhill Senior Living Community, formerly of 527 Seminole Drive, died on October 2, 2008. He was born in Erie, PA on March 5, 1916, son of the late Herbert J. Johnson, Sr. and Martha Burger Johnson.

He was a 1934 graduate of Academy High School, 1938 graduate of Temple University, and a 1941 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Law.

He served in the FBI during World War II.

From 1947-1955 he served as an Assistant District Attorney and from 1955-1963 he served as District Attorney of Erie County. In 1963 and 1964 he was President Judge of the Orphan's Court of Erie County, and then rejoined private practice with Evans, Johnson, Scarpitti, Bernard, and Wittmann. He became associated with McClure and Miller in 1989. In 2007 he became associated with Elderkin, Martin, Kelly, and Messina. He was a member of the Erie County Bar Association and was past President and Chancellor. Attorney Johnson was a member of the PA Bar Association. He was a member of the American Bar Association for over 50 years and of its foundation. He was a member of the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul and was Chancellor there for 17 years.

He became Chancellor of the Episcopal Diocese of N.W. Pennsylvania in 1974 and was serving as Vice-Chancellor at the time of his death. He was awarded the Bishop's Cross by Bishop Davis and was dedicated a canon of the Diocese by Bishop Rowley in 1996.

Mr. Johnson was a member of the Tyrian-Commonwealth Lodge No. 362 F.&A.M., Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Erie, where he had served as Commander-in-Chief and as a member of their Board of Directors. He was also a member of the York Rite Bodies; Zem Zem Temple Shrine; the Royal Order of Jesters where he served as director in 1968 and 1969; the Shrine Hot Sands Unit, and the Erepa Grotto. He was active in Scottish Rite degree work for many years and in 1965 was coroneted a 33 degree Mason. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Erie DeMolay, served as a DeMolay Dad from 1962 until the present, and was a member of the DeMolay Legion of Honor and Order of Chevalier.

He was a member of the Washington Trail Council, Boy Scouts of America, Board of Directors for eight years, was a past President, past Commissioner, and recipient of the Silver Beaver Award. Attorney Johnson was a member of the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Erie for over 50 years and served as President for seven years. In 2007 he received the Men and Youth Award from the Boys and Girls Club of America.

He was a member of the Kahkwa Club where he served on the board for six years, as Secretary for five years, and as President for one year. He was a member of the Erie Yacht Club, the former Aviation Club, and the Erie Club. He was a life member of the Hamot Board of Corporators.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Dorothy Erford Johnson; two sons, Herbert J. Johnson III and his wife Linda of Laurel, MD, and Ronald E. Johnson and his wife Claire of Carlisle, PA; five grandchildren, Nicole Robertson and her husband Darren of Fayetteville, N.C., Barbara Johnson of Beverly Hills, CA, Stephen Johnson and his wife June of Linthicum, MD, Michael Johnson and his wife Lauren of Philadelphia, PA, Priscilla Johnson of Boston MA; and two great-grandchildren, Maddie Robertson and Lily Johnson.

Memorials may be made to the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul, 134 West 7th Street, Erie, PA 16501 or the Boys and Girls Club of Erie, Inc., 1515 East Lake Road, Erie, PA 16511.