Edward Johnson, Sr

Lifelong Staten Islander Edward Johnson Sr., 72, of Richmond Valley, a retired city Sanitation mechanic who was renowned for his welding skills, died Saturday in Staten Island University Hospital, in Prince's Bay.

Born in Annadale, Mr. Johnson graduated from Tottenville High School.

Mr. Johnson also lived in several South Shore communities before moving to Richmond Valley in the early 1990s.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1962. Upon his discharge, he traveled to Alaska, an accomplishment he was proud of.

Mr. Johnson worked as a mechanic for the city Sanitation Department for more than 20 years, until retiring in the early 2000s.

A skilled welder, he welded the crosses on the fence outside St. Joseph by-the-Sea High School, his family said.

His granddaughter, Gina Morales, died in 2009.

Surviving Mr. Johnson are his companion of 20 years, Millie Soto; his sons, Edward Jr. and Ronald; his daughter, Cathy Lee Torres; his stepson, Amado Morales; a brother, Theodore, and five grandchildren.

The funeral service will be Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. in the Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, Tottenville. Arrangements include cremation.

Services: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Wednesday, January 22, 2014 2:30PM

Visitation: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home Wednesday, January 22, 2014 2-4 & 7-9PM

Cemetery: Cremation Will Be Private

Location: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home

Church: Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home