ANDOVER – Warner G. Johnson, 89, died on Tuesday (August 19, 2025) following a brief illness at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville.
Mr. Johnson was born on February 20, 1936, in Dover, NJ to Gilbert E. and Margaret Cameron (Rousell) Johnson. He graduated from Roxbury High School in Succasunna, NJ. A graduate of Drew University in Madison, NJ, Warner obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Botany in 1957. Shortly afterward, on June 29, 1957, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Dover, NJ, he married the love of his life, Joan Nordberg who survives.
After college, Warner and a partner were in the aquatic weed control business, utilizing an amphibious track vehicle that became a fixture in their yard in Randolph, NJ. Warner later became a milkman. He was, in fact, one of the last milkmen, delivering milk to his customers in glass bottles. Prior to retiring in 1999, from the corporate world and working for various companies, Warner worked as a chemist for the Mennen Company and Colgate-Palmolive in Morristown, NJ. He and Joan then migrated to Andover, NY, where they enjoyed the comforts of rural life at the family farmhouse where they would previously spend summers with their family.
Along with his wife of 68 years Warner is survived by three children, Daryl (Susan) Johnson of Lenexa, KS, Cheryl (Robert) Rodriguez of Willing, NY, and Raymond (Shari) Johnson of Pompton Lakes, NJ. He is also survived by his siblings, Sandra (Gene) Perla of Easton, PA, Janet Hough of Sun City, Fla., and Bruce (Marcy) Johnson of Lakewood, NJ; six grandchildren, Trevor Johnson (Monica) of Nazareth, Pa., Corey (Lauren) Johnson of Easton, Pa., Brett Johnson and Kaila Johnson (Raine), both of Lee’s Summit, Pa., Cole Johnson of Lenexa, KS, and Daniel Perry (Brittnie) of Meriden, CT; one great granddaughter, Raelyn Johnson of Nazareth, Pa.; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Warner was preceded in death by three brothers-in-law, Patrick Hough, David Steward, and Raymond Emanuel Nordberg.
Athleticism was a cornerstone of Warner’s life. At Drew University, he played on the varsity baseball and basketball teams, but baseball was his passion. He was invited to try out for several major league teams including the Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Yankees, and the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite not going to the pros, Warner’s love for baseball was a life-long affair. He returned to Drew University each year to play in the Alumni ball games, making this an annual family event. Even in his eighth decade Warner was still playing as an Alumni player against the current team at Drew. He was especially proud of the game where he scored two runs off their ace pitcher. Warner truly earned his license to swing away with a 3 ball, no strike pitch count however he always professed to swing at the first pitch. (To see Warner in action, click on thumbnail at the bottom of the page.)
Whenever people planned to visit, he was often heard saying “Bring your glove,” since he loved the time playing catch and sharing tips with them. He was one of those “fun Grandpas.”
If Warner had to be a spectator, it was for the St. Louis Cardinals while they were winning or during football season, for the Raiders and Bills.
Warner was an avid antiquarian, doing antiques shows even as recently as two years ago. The shows were a highlight for him as it was also an interest shared by Joan. Together, they owned Kitchen Cupboard Antiques. Warner and Joan were members of the Genesee Valley Antique Dealers Association and long-time members of the Bakers’ Bridge Historical Association in Alfred Station.
His father passed along to Warner the “Mowing Gene.” Mowing acres at the farmhouse was a serious endeavor for Warner. Perhaps this was part of his life-long strong work ethic, which he passed along to his children. In work, he lived by the moto “Hoe to the end of the row.” That ethic stayed with him his whole life for he also took great pride in splitting wood for the woodstove every year.
In his later years, Warner made the Andover First Presbyterian Church his spiritual home, having found many good friends there.
Warner had a character that was kind-hearted and very helpful to those around him. He also had a terrific sense of humor, which made his charming blue eyes sparkle. Along with baseball, family and friends, Warner would say that ice cream and peanut butter are essentials in life.
There will be no visitation. A graveside service will be held at the Green Family Cemetery, 4450 East Valley Road, Andover, on Saturday (August 23, 2025) at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Christian Mattison of the Andover First Presbyterian Church officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home, Andover.
Memorial contributions in Warner’s name may be made to Andover First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 776, Andover, NY 14806. © 2025 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
What a beautiful tribute to honor Warner. I was blessed to have had the privilege of knowing him for several years. True, whether it was antiques or helping someone cut wood, he was always there to help. I will miss my dear friend.