OSWEGO – Neal Johnson of Oswego, NY—a dedicated son, father, husband, grandfather, coworker, and friend—passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on March 27th, 2024, after a battle with cancer. He was 70.
Neal was born on September 26, 1953, in Pleasantville, NY to Rodney and Valerie Johnson. He showed a natural aptitude for inventing, tinkering, and repairing from a young age, and by early adolescence was fixing everything from appliances to cars, large and small, for friends and neighbors.
Following his move to Oswego in 1971, he began working at the Fitzpatrick Nuclear Plant where he enjoyed a decades-spanning career as a planner, planning superintendent, and contractor.
In 1973, Neal met his soon-to-be wife Linda through mutual friends. They had two children together, Brianne and Cory Johnson.
An Eagle Scout since 1969, Neal was the former Scoutmaster of Troop 888. He excelled at encouraging those around him, both young and old, to embrace their strengths and individualities. Neal was also a proud member of Woodworkers of CNY and the Oswego Lions Club. Neal loved driving his 1960 Triumph TR-3 and was a member of the European Motor Club of CNY.
After Linda’s passing in 2018, Neal was able to find love again with his wonderful second wife, Jackie. They married in 2023.
He is predeceased by his wife, Linda, and father, Rodney. He is survived by his wife Jackie Mabie, his children Brianne and Cory Johnson, siblings Lynne Dodson, Dale Walsh, and Wayne Johnson, and mother Valerie Johnson.
Calling hours will be held at Nelson Funeral Home on Saturday, April 13, from noon until 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Oswego Historical Society, for the upkeep of the Richardson-Bates House Museum. Neal dedicated much of his later years volunteering to restore this Oswego landmark with the help of his friends and coworkers. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home.
