Senate Resolution No. 2734

BY: Senator WALCZYK

MOURNING the death of Harold B. Johnson II,
devoted family man, distinguished citizen and
dedicated member of his community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Harold B. Johnson II was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Harold B. Johnson II, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Harold B. Johnson II, vice chairman of Northern New York
Newspaper Corporation and publisher of the Watertown Daily Times, died
on Monday, July 29, 2024, at the age 70; and

WHEREAS, A native of Watertown, New York, Harold B. Johnson II was
born at The House of the Good Samaritan on February 9, 1954, as the
youngest of four children; he graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in
1973 and Vanderbilt University in 1977 with a degree in history; and

WHEREAS, A renowned newspaper executive, Harold B. Johnson II began
his illustrious career at WWNY-TV Channel 7 before working in various
roles alongside his father and brother in their family-owned business;
and

WHEREAS, In 1982, Harold B. Johnson II became manager of regional
advertising for the Watertown Daily Times; after his father's death, he
and his brother were named co-publishers of the Times, with Harold as
company President and COO; he retired in 2022; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Harold B. Johnson II served on the boards of the Jefferson
County Historical Society, the Edward John Noble Foundation, the St.
Catherine's Island Foundation, the Jefferson Community College
Foundation, the SUNY Potsdam College Council, Neighbors of Watertown,
Johnson Newspaper Corporation, The 1000 Island State Park Commission,
Northern New York Community Foundation, and Rotary, among others; and

WHEREAS, Harold B. Johnson II joined the Neighbors of Watertown
Board in 1988, serving humbly and devotedly for the betterment and
preservation of downtown Watertown; an avid outdoorsman, he was also a
strong advocate for the state park system; and

WHEREAS, As a member of the Hickory Point Club on Carleton Island,
Harold B. Johnson II spent many weekends duck hunting with his friends
and son during the late fall months, enjoying the adventure of getting
to and from the island in his 1968 Boston Whaler; and

WHEREAS, Harold B. Johnson II is survived by his loving wife of 41
years, Susan A. Meylor Johnson; three children, Alec E. Johnson

(Gabrielle), Anna A. Napoli (William), and Leslie M. Carman (Alexander);
three grandchildren, Claire, Tadhg and Henley, as well as a fourth on
the way; a brother, John B. Johnson Jr. (Susan); two sisters, Ann
Johnson and Deborah Johnson Newcomb (Richard); friend and
brother-in-law, Ted Meylor (Maureen); and numerous nieces, nephews,
cousins and beloved friends; and

WHEREAS, Harold B. Johnson's infinite selflessness and benevolence
will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories; his insight
and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light and hope to
the countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Harold B. Johnson II leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man; he will
be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Harold B. Johnson II, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

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