Howard R. Johnson, retired liquor salesman

Howard R. Johnson, 77, of Bethany Beach, formerly of Kingston, N.Y.,  passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family Friday, July 4, 2014.  He was born in Paterson, N.J., Nov. 23, 1936, to Howard R. Johnson and Margaret Lamping Johnson. Howard’s warmth and sense of humor brought a smile to everyone who knew him. He will be fondly remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather and a loyal friend.

Howard was a liquor sales representative with Colony Liquors, Graves & Rodgers, and Eber Bros., retiring after 39 years in the industry, in 2003.  His career earned him many honors, including becoming a member of the Canadian Club Society and achieving  Man of the Year five times.

Howard was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving from 1960-62

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Passaic, N.J. No. 67, F. & A. M., the American Legion in Kingston, N.Y., the VFW in Kingston and Bethany Beach, The Moose Lodge in Port Ewen, N.Y., and a longtime member of Twaalfskill Golf Club in Kingston.    He enjoyed watching car racing, horse racing, and was an avid New York Giants fan.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Marocco Saltamachio; and infant son Howard R. Johnson III.

Howard is survived by his loving wife Helen of 54 years; two daughters and their families, Jennifer Johnson and her husband Frank Toth of Alpharetta, Ga. and their children, Domenic, Ella, Frankie and Sophia, and Jill Hobart and her husband David of Ashburn, Va. and their children Matthew and Addison; a sister, Doris Buis and her husband Sonny Buis; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Harbor Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center, 301 Ocean View Blvd., Lewes, DE 19958.