Neil H Johnson

ALBION – Neil H Johnson, 85, of Albion, passed away on, April, 14, 2024 at The Martin-Linsin Residence under hospice care. Neil was born to Howard and Emma (Ross) Johnson on July 13, 1938.

After graduating from High School, he studied Linguistics and Anthropology at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. After earning his Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees, he married Margaret (Joanne) McLaughlin on September 12,1964, in Detroit, Michigan.

Together, Neil and Joanne moved to New York State where Neil continued his education, graduating from Cornell University with his Doctorate in Anthropology. Throughout his life, Neil’s professions included being the University Archeologist and Professor of Anthropology at the University of Brockport. He was a founding partner at Clune and Johnson Archeological Consulting Firm and the Village of Albion Historian.

Beginning in 1980 as the Albion Village Historian, he wrote a weekly column, “Albion, Oh Albion,” for the Albion Advertiser for 26 years. Neil had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, often spending his spare time researching topics of interest or reading books. Neil shared his passion serving as a member of the Swan, now Hoag, Library Board of Trustees; a long-time member of the Orleans County 4-H Fair Board, and an active Board Member for The Oak Orchard Lighthouse Museum. He wrote books about the history of Swan Library and the Orleans County 4-H Fair.

In 1977 Neil and his wife Joanne founded the Orleans County 4-H Rabbit Raisers Club. Neil received the Legacy Award from Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension for serving as a 4-H leader for more than 40 years. In 2019, Neil was recognized for his dedication to preserve and protect the history of Orleans County as he was awarded with the Bob Waters Lifetime Achievement Award.

Neil was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Joanne, in November of 2023.

He is survived by his two children Tom Johnson (Stephanie Sanger) and Sarah Johnson; three granddaughters, Emma (Caitlin Boker) Sanger-Johnson, Grace Sanger-Johnson and Izzy Sanger-Johnson, and a great-granddaughter, Maya Boker.

There will be no prior calling hours. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make contributions to Hospice of Orleans, 14080-NY 31, Albion NY, The Hoag Library, 134 S Main St, Albion, NY 14411, or The Orleans County 4-H Rabbit Raisers 12690 NY-31, Albion, NY 14411. Arrangements were entrusted to the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes.

To share a memory of Neil, visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.