Merrimac, MA: William R. "Bill" Johnson, Jr., 74, of Merrimac, and a former longtime resident of Haverhill, died July 15, 2021 at his home with his devoted and loving wife, Gloria, by his side.

Born in Haverhill, son of the late William and Florence (Bock) Johnson, he attended local grammar schools and graduated from Essex Agricultural and Technical High School, Danvers, with the Class of 1965. Bill worked as a facilities manager at several private schools, most notably the Shady Hill School in Cambridge, until his retirement

A former member of the Pentucket Kiwanis Club of Haverhill, he thoroughly enjoyed nature, whether it was hiking, camping, canoeing, deep-sea fishing, lake fishing, or fly-fishing. He also enjoyed his home, involved in several wood working projects, spending time in his garden or bird feeding, and he was a devoted owner of several dogs.

He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his loving wife of fifty-four years, Gloria (Barnard) Johnson, two daughters; Sue Sielicki and her husband Mark of Seabrook, NH, and Karin Gagne and her husband Dave of Newburyport, a sister Judith Morrissey of New London, NH, five grandchildren, Matthew Gagnon, Madeline Quimby, Kate Gagnon, Jackie Quimby, and Nicholas Gagne.

Private funeral services are under the direction of Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home of Plaistow. Please take a moment to leave a condolence message or share a precious memory with the family on the funeral home website. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Pulmonary Department of Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA or through the hospital's website.