Elsworth Birger Johnson, 94 1/2, passed peacefully from this life on August 20, 2013, during a brief hospital stay in Wauchula, Florida. He was the husband of the late Daisy (Underhill) Johnson. He was born to Swedish immigrant parents, J. Birger and Selma (Svenson) Johnson in Attleboro, Massachusetts on September 24, 1918. He graduated from high school there in 1936 where he played violin in the school orchestra. He studied at Wentworth Institute of Technology and Hillyer College and became a toolmaker. His career at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in Connecticut spanned 35 years. The nature of his work in aviation prevented him from serving in World War II. He was a supervisor in the experimental machine department until his retirement in 1974 when he moved to Vermont. Ellie (a nickname) was an avid "boat man" who spent much of his life living near salt or fresh waters he could navigate. He enjoyed many years of golf and had a deep appreciation for music, theater, and art. He was a skilled "fix it" man with construction skills. He enjoyed communicating with others and had a good memory. He shared many stories in an entertaining way. He was known as a gentleman with kindness and a quick sense of humor. In recent years he enjoyed the music of Lawrence Welk on public television and also followed current events and sporting news. He was a steady customer at Wendy's while in Wauchula. He leaves a close sister, Elsa J. Lundgren of Maryland. His only brother, Elmer D. Johson predeased him. He leaves his daughter, Joann J. Dufrsne and her husband, Ernest H. Dufresne of East Hartford, CT as well as his granddaughter, Kirstin J. Burnham, of Manchester, CT. His late wife, Fanny U. Bacon, passed away. He was stepfather to Van Bacon, Belva Rietta, and the late Ronald Bacon. His wife, Daisy Johnson, died in 2010. His stepchildren include Conrad Bacon, Alice Thomas, Dale Bacon, Gary Bacon, and the late Anne Davenport. He has other extended family members including nieces and nephews and their families. A special thank you to Melinda Armstrong for her caregiving in recent years. Thanks also to his neighbors at Crystal Lake Village. Memorial donations may be made to the Evangelical Covenant Church Memorial Fund, PO Box 208, Attleboro, MA 02703 or to a veteran's organization of your choice. Memorial services will be held at the convenience of the family. Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Service in Wauchula, FL, may be contacted. Visit www.pongerkaysgrady.com at your convenience.