Andrew Suarez Johnson, master craftsman
Andrew Suarez Johnson of Rehoboth Beach died Sunday, June 10, 2018, after a short illness. He was born in Lakewood, N.J., May 26, 1927. He moved to Downingtown, Pa., in 1968 and lived there until he retired at Rehoboth Beach in 1995.
Andrew was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Rose, who passed away two weeks previously. He was united in holy matrimony to his high school sweetheart Sept. 6th, 1947. They celebrated 70 years of marriage last September.
Andrew graduated from Lakewood High School class of 1945. An avid athlete throughout high school, he was inducted into the Lakewood Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2011. He was also a great sports fan. As a youngster he was an avid Brooklyn Dodgers fan. In fact on his honeymoon he and his wife Barbara attended a Dodgers game, and were able to see Jackie Robinson play in his rookie year. After moving to Pennsylvania he became a diehard Eagles and Phillies fan. He and his wife spent many evenings cuddled together on the couch watching the Phillies and the Eagles. They both wore their Eagles shirt this year to watch them win the Super Bowl.
Andrew always relished in telling a story from May 6, 1937, when he and his three brothers were eyewitnesses to the explosion of the German dirigible Hindenburg at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station.
Andrew was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. His enlistment in the Marines continued a tradition begun by his mother and her sister who served in the Marine Corps in World War I. His two older brothers and his twin brother also served in the Marines in World War II.
Andrew was a master ceramic tile craftsman by trade. He also enjoyed doing extensive carpentry work during his lifetime. He built his first house from the foundation up, by himself, in Lakewood. His love of the building trades provided him with a great source of pleasure and satisfaction through the years. He did many special projects on the homes of all his children. His only regret was becoming physically disabled and having to give up his hobby.
Andrew and his wife Barbara leave behind quite a legacy in their seven children: Jeffrey Johnson of Broadkill Beach, Laura (Norman) Myer of Atmore, Ala., Valerie (Randy) Dymond of Blacksburg, Va., Christina (Tom) Costello of Havertown, Pa., Johanna (Russell) Edwards of Coatesville, Pa., Victor (Daryl) Johnson of Glenmore, Pa., and Michael (Beki) Johnson of Downingtown, Pa.; his 22 grandchildren: Jeff, Brendon, Doug, Marty, Toby, Joshua, Daryl, Matthew, Ben, Molly, Sara, Kerry, Pamela, Maureen, Jennifer, Alex, Greg, Corey, Alyssa, Erica, Michael and Taylor; and his18 great-grandchildren.
Andrew devoted his life to his wife, children, grandchildren and great-children. His marriage was a love story of 70 years. His family takes comfort in knowing that their parents are together and always in their hearts.
HIs life will be celebrated along with his wife's at a double memorial service Sunday, June 24, at 4 p.m., at St. George’s Episcopal Chapel, 20274 Beaver Dam Road, Harbeson. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Andrew's name to: Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth, 32409 Lewes Georgetown Highway, Lewes, DE 19958, or Greater Lewes Community Village, 16686 Kings Highway, Suite B, Lewes, DE 19958, two volunteer organizations that supported Andrew and Barbara to continue living at home at the age of 91.
Please visit Andrew's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
