Clifford Johnson

Clifford Johnson, a distinguished Electrical Engineer and beloved family man, passed away on March 30, 2026. Born on December 15, 1933, in Bristol, England, Clifford’s journey began when he settled in Glasgow, Scotland, with his family at the tender age of three. Raised amidst a spirited family, where he attended local schools. Later, he served in the RAF before pursuing his passion for engineering, ultimately earning his Electrical Engineering Degree from Strathclyde University in Glasgow.

Clifford’s professional career was marked by notable achievements and unwavering dedication. He began as an Electrical Engineer with Honeywell and Compugraphics Companies, where his excellence was recognized through several prestigious awards, including the "Excellence in Engineering" award from Compugraphics and "The Sweatt Award" for exceptional service at Honeywell. Later, at the Raytheon Company Marlborough Facility, Clifford continued to make significant contributions to electronic systems, earning the "Inventor's Award" for his innovative work until his retirement in 2004.

Beyond his career, Clifford was a man of creativity and diverse interests. An accomplished artist, he worked extensively with oil paints and later embraced computer graphics, with several of his artworks displayed at the Worcester Art Museum. His artistic talents brought him numerous ribbons and accolades. Clifford was also an author, capturing vivid accounts of his childhood during the war and providing captivating narratives for his readers. Photography was another passion, and he expertly documented many life events through his lens. Additionally, Clifford enjoyed golfing with family and friends, played tennis in his younger years, and was an avid fan of Formula One Racing, as well as British soccer, rugby, and cricket matches.

Clifford married his sweetheart, Isabel E. (Jack) Johnson, in 1962 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Their partnership of 63 years was a cornerstone of his life. Shortly after their marriage, the family briefly lived in Canada before making the United States their home. They resided in several Massachusetts communities, including Lancaster, Lunenburg, Sudbury, Bedford, and Lexington, and ultimately settled in West Boylston, MA, where they have lived together for the past decade. Clifford’s pride and greatest accomplishment was his family, to whom he dedicated himself wholeheartedly, striving to create a comfortable and joyous environment throughout their lives.

Clifford is survived by his beloved wife Isabel; his son, Keith C. Johnson and his wife Denise of Medway, MA; daughters Gail A. Dannenfels and her husband Luis of Hudson, MA, and Susan C.J. Reilly and her husband Timothy of Leominster, MA; his brother Dr. Francis Johnson of Long Island, NY; brother Douglas Johnson of Ontario, Canada; and cherished grandchildren Ryan Johnson, Kyle Johnson, Zoey Dannenfels, Colin Dannenfels, Isabel Reilly, and Abby Reilly. He is also remembered fondly by his nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his father, Francis Johnson; his mother, Ada (Waterworth) Johnson; and his brother, Alan Johnson.

Visiting will be held from 11:00-12:00 PM on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Tighe Hamilton Regional Funeral Home, 50 Central St., Hudson, MA. A Celebration of Clifford's Life will follow at 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial services will be private.

Clifford Johnson’s warmth, humor, and spirited nature touched the lives of many. His legacy of professional excellence, artistic expression, and profound love for his family will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

The family is sincerely grateful to the nurses and physicians in the CCU at UMass Memorial Medical Center-Memorial Campus for their exceptional care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Clifford may be made to: Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/PFFTribute/CliffordJohnson