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Joel Johnson Joel Johnson
In Memory of
Joel V. "Verne"
Johnson
1934 - 2015
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Obituary for Joel V. "Verne" Johnson

Joel V. "Verne" Johnson
Joel V. "Verne" Johnson, 80, of Erie, passed away Wednesday March 25, 2015 at UPMC Hamot following a lengthy illness. He was born in Emporium, PA on September 7, 1934 a son of the late Earl and Sally Mann Johnson.
Verne graduated from Emporium High School and attended Juniata College. He proudly served in the United States Army and was a member of St. Joseph Bread of Life Community.
He lived most of his life in Erie but always loved going back to the mountains. Verne loved football and played for 12 years throughout High School, College and semi-pro. He tried out for the Baltimore Colts. He always had an entrepreneurial spirit and owned several businesses. He was most proud of establishing Holiday-Rent-a-Bike, the first bike rental on Presque Isle. In his later years he delighted children and adults in his role as Santa Claus at the Millcreek Mall and many other venues.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother, David Johnson.
Survivors include his devoted wife of 51 years, Norma Ceretti Johnson; one daughter, Nanette Martin and her husband Brad of Erie; three sons, William Johnson and his partner Andy Smith of Atlanta, GA, Joseph Johnson and his wife Sheri of Langhorne, PA, and Jeremy Johnson of Erie; three sisters, Shirley Housler of Emporium, PA, Dee Russell of Erie, and Sharon Smith and her husband David of McKean; four grandchildren, Hailey, Hannah, Emma and Morgan; his cousin, Harold Johnson of Emporium, PA; and many nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to a prayer service there on Monday morning at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Joseph Bread of Life Community. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Erie Co. Diabetes Association, 1128 State St., Suite 302, Erie, 16501.

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