Senate Resolution No. 3160

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Simeon Johnson, Army
veteran, distinguished citizen and devoted member of
his community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Simeon Johnson died on Sunday, May 3, 2020, at the age of
78; and

WHEREAS, Simeon Johnson was born in Sumter, South Carolina, on
August 14, 1941, to Ophelia and Frank Johnson Sr.; and

WHEREAS, Affectionately known to family and friends as "Sam" or
"Son," he attended Ebenezer High School in Dalzell, South Carolina, and
graduated in 1960; one year later, he relocated to New York City for a
better life and employment opportunities; and

WHEREAS, In 1966, Simeon Johnson was drafted to the United States
Armed Forces and proudly served his country as a skilled watercraft
operator of the Army during the Vietnam War for two years; for his
meritorious service, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, National
Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and
multiple Outstanding Performance of Duty citations; and

WHEREAS, Upon the completion of his military service on May 2, 1968,
Simeon Johnson returned to New York and married the former Mary Smalls,
and together, they moved to the Bronx and raised, their six children;
and

WHEREAS, Simeon Johnson worked for the United States Postal Service
as a clerk and mail handler for a short time before enrolling in
Roberts' Technical and Trade School where he received his trade
certificate in auto body repair and refinishing in March of 1969; and

WHEREAS, Simeon Johnson then began his long and esteemed career as
an auto body and fender repair technician with Iota Taxi Garage; in
1972, he moved on to G&M Service Management Corporation for four years
and then went on to Dalk Services Corporation, where he served for 21
years until he retired; and

WHEREAS, In addition to his strong work ethic, Simeon Johnson was
known and will always be remembered as a kind-hearted, thoughtful,
honorable, hardworking, humble and faithful man of God, who loved and
cherished his family; and

WHEREAS, This quiet, unassuming man had a wonderful personality and
quick wit and enjoyed listening to classic blues songs and cooking; he
could often be found watching his favorite television shows and movies,
and was an avid sports fan, especially basketball, football and boxing;
and


WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, his brother Frank Johnson Jr.,
sister Martha Gibbs, niece Alfreda Gibbs, and the love of his life,
Mary; Simeon Johnson is survived by his four daughters, Karen, Sheila,
Simone, and Shameka; two sons, Keith and Shawn; one brother, Booker T.
Johnson; three cousins, Lottie Geraldine Lowery, Betty McQuillar-Jackson
and Russell Lowery; four nephews, Leon, John, Franklin and Darren; one
sister-in-law, Francis Robinson; one son-in-law, Mike Baratta and many
other family members and close friends; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Simeon Johnson leaves behind a legacy which will long endure
the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he
served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Simeon Johnson, Army veteran, distinguished citizen
and devoted member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Simeon Johnson.