Obituary of Joseph Maurice Johnson

Joseph “Joe” Maurice Johnson, 93 of Belfast passed away on Monday, April 20, 2015. He was born in St. Albans, Maine February 24, 1922, one of seven children, to Methyl (Parkman) Johnson and Merle E. Johnson. He attended Higgins Classical Institute in Charleston, Maine and was a member of the track team. He graduated in Automotive Technology from Greer College, Chicago, Illinois in 1940. He married Lois Patten of Charleston, Maine on September 23, 1940. During WWII, Joe served as an Engineman in the U.S. Navy on the submarine S.S. Spot stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He made three combat patrols in enemy waters. After his discharge from the Navy, he and his wife, Lois, of 70 years, opened "Johnson's Auto Body Works" on Route 137 in Belfast. They operated the business for over 61 years with auto sales and repair for customers all over Maine. Joe was a lifetime member of the Belfast Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite Bodies of Bangor, Anah Shrine Temple of Bangor, and the Waldo County Shrine Club in Belfast, and an Associate member of the Eastern Star. Joseph had many interests including racing two stock cars at Unity Raceway, boating and lobstering part time at Penobscot Bay, flying his Piper Cub airplane in the early 1950's, camping trips with their many friends, dancing and traveling to Fl., Ca., Mexico, Canada and Bermuda. Mr. Johnson was predeceased by three sisters: Evelyn Candage of Mass., Marie Backus of Vermont, and Thirma Blethen of Maine; and two brothers: Lewis of N.H., and Everett of Ct. He is survived by his daughter, Janett Sims of Iva, S.C. and his son, Joseph Merle of Lincolnton, N.C., one brother, Arnold, of The Villages, Fl., four grandchildren: Stephen Sims of Norman, Ok., Shelley Belouski of Thousand Oaks, Ca., Scott Johnson of Va. and Donald Johnson of Lincolnton, N.C.; five great-grandchildren and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Celebration of life will be held at 10:00am on Friday, April 24, 2015 at Riposta Funeral Home 182 Waldo Ave. Belfast, Me.. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Anah Shrine Temple 586 Main St. Bangor, Maine04401. Memories and condolences may be offered to the family at www.ripostafh.com.