Bruce T. Johnson

WILLIAMSBURG-Bruce T. Johnson, 66, of Unquomonk Rd. passed away peacefully on Friday morning after a year-long battle with cancer. Bruce was born in Northampton, the son of Carl & Margery (Trumbull) Johnson. He was educated in local schools and graduated from Northampton High School. He furthered his education, attending Westfield State College. He enlisted in the US Army, serving with the 42nd Military Police as an MP Dog Handler at Ft. Dix and also served in Germany. He was honorably discharged and after returning home he joined the Massachusetts State Police. He was a graduate of the 64th RTT Group, in 1982. He worked as a Court Officer with the Hampshire Probate Court and was stationed with the Chester State Police Barracks. He proudly served with the Massachusetts State Police Air Wing as a Helicopter Pilot over 10 years. He was instrumental in the design of the modern Massachusetts State Police Helicopters and their operational systems. They are responsible for numerous life-saving missions because of his input and expertise. He retired in 2011, yet never one to sit still, he began his own landscaping business, working on many beautiful home projects in the area. He had a great eye for design and loved the rustic New England look. He was predeceased by his parents, Carl, and Margery Johnson. He leaves his beloved and devoted wife, Elizabeth (Chevalier) Rida. Her children; Amanda Rida-Smith and her husband Jedediah of Plainfield, Cody and his wife Kayla of Chesterfield, and Steven Rida Jr and his wife Kimberly of Goshen. His eight grandchildren whom he adored: Elise, Wade, Renee, Levi, Mason, Jace, Parker, and Krew. His siblings: Paul Johnson and his wife Chris of Navarre, FLA. and Cynthia Johnson of E. Granby, CT. and his in laws, Donald & Elizabeth Chevalier of Goshen whom he thought of as his second parents. CALLING HOURS WILL TUESDAY, DEC. 26, 2023 FROM 4:00 TO 7:00 P.M. AT AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 BRIDGE RD., NORTHAMPTON. A FUNERAL MASS WILL BE CELEBRATED ON WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27, 2023 AT 10:00 A.M. AT OUR LADY OF THE HILLS, 173 MAIN ST., HAYDENVILLE. Burial with military honors will follow in Spring Grove Cemetery, Florence. Donations in Bruce’s memory may be made to Friends of Dana Farber, 450 Brookline Ave., SW120, Boston, MA 02215.