Andrew Johnson

Andrew (Andy or AJ) Barton JOHNSON Andy was born on February 29, 1944, and died on May 31, 2011 due to long-term complications of Parkinson’s disease. He passed away peacefully at the Levine-Dixon Hospice House in Huntersville, NC with his wife, Randyl Johnson by his side. During his last weeks Andy was supported by family members from Alaska, Washington and Pennsylvania. Randyl assisted Andy during his passing over at the Hospice House, having been his primary caregiver for 13 years. Andy was born in Reading, PA and attended Muhlenberg Township schools. He left school to work in private industry. In 1961 he married former spouse Patricia O’Flaherty and they became the proud parents of three children. In 1963 he completed high school through Reading High continuing education classes. After several years in private industry Andy ventured into the world of small business and became a successful owner/operator of 2 service stations and later a family-run convenience store in Myerstown, PA. In the early 80’s he enrolled at Penn State, Berks Campus completing his B.S.E.E. degree while working for AT&T/Lucent Tech. of Laureldale. After the onset of his disease he retired from Lucent and later started Bluetruck.net, a small internet service provider in Laureldale. Andy loved to travel and had obtained a flight instructor’s license. He was an excellent cook, enjoyed horseback riding, skiing, square dancing, bicycling, and had a strong affinity for woodworking, construction and home repairs. In 1998 Andy met his new best friend and soul-mate, Randyl Susan MacDonald-Fry of Grand Junction, CO. They began a new life together and were married on New Years Day 2006 at which time they purchased a motorhome and became full-time RVers for the past 6 years. They travelled until April 2011, settling in Harrisburg, NC, when Andy’s health complications made travel no longer possible. Fondly known by his wife and close family as SALAMANDER, he will NEVER be forgotten. Andy is survived by his wife, Randyl MacDonald Johnson, his mother Marion S. Johnson of Laureldale, PA, his father W. Barton Johnson of Colorado Springs, CO, a brother William B. Johnson of Kent, WA, his sons Patrick M. Johnson of Fleetwood, Kevin A. Johnson of Wyomissing and daughter Melissa S. Shippey of Fairbanks, Alaska and by four grandchildren. Andy will be cremated. Memorial service arrangements are pending in PA. A Special Thank You to ALL who contributed so much to his final care – especially those at The Oaks at Town Center, Harrisburg, NC, CMC Northeast in Concord, NC and the Levine-Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, NC. Hartsell Funeral Home, Concord, is serving the Johnson family.