Obituary of Sherwood Johnson

Sherwood (Pete) Johnson went home to the Lord on December 25th, 2012. He had been briefly hospitalized at Medical Center in Stuart, Florida. He was born in Jamestown, New York, on July 16, 1944 to Harry and Virginia Wright Johnson. He was raised of the Methodist faith. A lifelong native of Frewsburg and Lakewood, he lived in Chautauqua County until 2008 when he retired to Hobe Sound, Florida with his wife Lorraine. Pete was a five year veteran during the Vietnam War serving in the Navy on the USS Zellers. He was a lifetime member of the VFW, and belonged to the Lakewood Legion, and Lakewood Rod and Gun Club. After working at Marlin Rockwell Corporation in his earliest years, Pete made a career in serving people. From 1971-1975 he was Food and Beverage Manager at Zem Zem Temple in Erie Pennsylvania. Upon leaving Zem Zem he took on the title of Club Steward of American Legion Post 1286, in Lakewood New York, serving in that position for 12 years until 1987. His love of people and cooking led him to Mayville, New York for the next 5 years, where he and his wife Lorraine owned and operated The Bench restaurant. From 1992 to 2008 Pete, along with his wife, worked at Chautauqua Institution in the capacity of Manager/head chef at Bellinger Hall. Pete also served as executive chef to the Presidents of the Institute. During this time he was privileged to cater to famous stars, honorable dignitaries, religious leaders, including, but not limited to President Clinton, White House Staff and the Secret Service. During part of this tenure he and his wife Lorraine managed and operated their “original creation” The Season Ticket Restaurant, also on the grounds of the Institute. Survivors include his beloved wife Lorraine of Hobe Sound, Florida, two children; Regina (Joe) Gerace of Jamestown, New York; Rodney (Nicole) Johnson of Martinsville, Indiana; Nine grandchildren; Andrew Gorman of Corpus Christi, Texas; Thomas, Elizabeth, Joseph, Jacob, Michael and Mary Gerace of Jamestown, New York; and Karis Blythe and Jade Johnson of Martinsville, Indiana. He also leaves behind a sister, Sharon Murray, of Ashville, New York. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Virginia Johnson; his maternal grandparents, Calvin and Ida Wright and his father-in-law and best friend Lorry Piazza. He loved nature and the outdoors. Pete said he wanted to savor every moment of daylight and the awesomeness of his creator. He spent any spare time tending to, and beautifying his many gardens. From planting seeds, to casting poles, to feeding birds, “Papa Pete”, as he was known by his grandchildren, taught of compassion and nature. His memory will be treasured by his wife and soul mate Lorraine, children and grandchildren who he adored. He found joy in his time with each and every one of them. Pete had a love of life, faith and family, and a sense of humor that warmed the hearts of anyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. A celebration of Pete’s life will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, April 27, 2013 at Zion Covenant Church, Fairmount Ave., Jamestown, NY. The Rev. Steve Kilburn, Pastor, will officiate. The American Legion Herman Kent Post #777 will also conduct a military service. The family will be present to receive friends for one hour prior to the funeral service. Immediately following the funeral service, a luncheon will will be served in the church hall. Memorials may be made to Zion Covenant Church 520 Fairmount Ave., Jamestown, N.Y. 14701 A condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.hubertfuneralhome.com. Website by Billie Jean Hubert.