Harold Johnson

CANFIELD - Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014, at 10 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel, for Harold L. "Swede" Johnson, 86, who died Tuesday morning.

He was born March 4, 1928, in Youngstown, a son of Gustavus and Hazel Johnson.

At the age of 18, he joined the U.S. Army and served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. He distinguished himself during the "Battle of the Bulge." During the European conflict, he won several division titles as a middleweight boxer. He is best remembered by his many friends as "Swede." He was a salesman and later became General Manager of Youngstown Buick. He later owned his own Buick, Oldsmobile, Cadillac dealership in Grove City, Pa. He was a Mason and Shriner, earning his 32 degree. He was a member for many years of the Zion Lutheran Church in Canfield.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Hulda V. Johnson; his youngest daughter and son-in-law, Gayle and Jon Caras; his parents; and sisters Bernice Johnson and Judy Liposchak.

He was the patriarch of five generations. He leaves to cherish his memory, his eldest son, Craig Johnson and wife Cathy of Bossier City, La.; a son, Gary L. Johnson and Chris of Austintown; and a daughter, Hope L. Chance and her husband, Jeff, of Canfield. He leaves 12 grandchildren, Christine Fodale (Jerry), Cheri Reddy (Sri), Chad Johnson (Kimbi), and Carey Tribuzio (Mario) of Louisiana, Harold Johnson (Kim), David Johnson (Julie), Gary Johnson Jr. (Heather), Adam Johnson (Cassie) of Ohio, Nicholas Graham of Florida and Tiffani Chance of Ohio, Jennifer and Jessica Caras of Ohio. He also leaves 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

The Johnson family would like to express their gratitude to longtime friend and physician, Dr. David Rich, and the staff of Omni Nursing Home in Youngstown for their loving care.

Friends may call on Friday, Sept. 19, 2014, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.