SHERBURNE – Earl D. “Rocky” Johnson, 59, of Shawler Brook Road, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 11, 2014, at his home, with his loving wife, daughters, son, and other family members at his side.
Rocky was born on September 19, 1954, in Rome, the son of the late Frederick and Viola Clark Johnson. As a young man, Rocky grew up in Brookfield and attended Brookfield High School. Following school he served his Country in the U.S. Army. On May 25, 1991, he married the love of his life Deana Naylor. Rocky will be remembered as a professional transportation specialist for the Sherburne-Earlville School District. He worked not only as a school bus driver; he was also a mechanic’s assistant, and a certified School Bus Driver’s Examiner. His goal was to serve the District for thirty years, but his illness forced him to retire with 29 years of service in 2012. He was always there to serve his community as a volunteer for many project, he had also been a member of the Sherburne Fire Department. Rocky was an avid spectator at any automotive race event, to include local demolition derbies, Utica-Rome Speedway, and the local drag strips. Rocky enjoyed the freedom of riding his motorcycle with his friends. He also enjoyed the peace and the beauty of nature, that fishing provided. Foremost, Rocky will be remembered as a devoted and loving, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many.
Rocky is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Deana; his children, Kimberly Johnson, Jeremy (Sara) Johnson, James Johnson, Sandra (Jeffrey Warren) Henneforth, and Janet Thomas; his siblings, Mary “Betsy” Johnson, Donald (Amy) Johnson, Kenny CaseJane (Kevin) Spooner, Cindy Howe, and companion, Anthony Makuch, Mike Howe, Jimmy (Kimberly)Naylor, Debbie (Jim) Shoals, Cindy Albertina, and companion, Mark Brodell, George (Lisa)Fowlston a brother-in-law, Frank Brady, a sister-in-law, Helen Johnson; his mother-in-law, Norma Naylor; his beloved grandchildren, Nicole Johnson, Hannah Johnson, Breana Warren, Dillion Dodge, and Caleb Thomas. There are also numerous nieces, nephews, close friends, and other family members surviving Rocky.
Rocky was pre deceased by his parents, Fred, Viola, Lyman Howe, brothers Calvin Johnson, Charles “Butch” Johnson, Willie Howe, a sister, Trudy Brady, and his father-in-law, James Naylor.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 18, at noon, at the Paul Funeral Home of Madison. Interment will be in North Norwich Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to call on Friday 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the funeral home located at 3592 South Street in Madison.
Due to Rocky’s prolonged illness, please consider a donation directly to the family to financially assist them during this difficult time.