Tom Gilson Johnson

Tom Gilson Johnson, 78, of Fort Pierce, FL passed away unexpectedly on July 25, 2017. Tom was born in Pittsburgh, PA on May 14, 1939 to Mason Gilson Johnson and Betty MacDougal Johnson. He graduated from Kiski Preparatory School, Saltsburg, PA , attended Columbia University and the University of Pittsburgh. Tom is survived by his wife, Rosanne (Rose), Fort Pierce, his devoted daughter, Megan (Norman) Rubenstein, his loving grandchildren, Hannah and Jacob, of Longwood, FL, daughter Travis Bull (Michael) and grandchildren, Alexandra and Austin, of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by numerous cousins of Fairview, PA., and many wonderful friends, in addition to his beloved Spike and Sparkle. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his first wife, Ann Henning.

Tom’s gregarious personality lent itself well to his lifelong occupation in Sales. He retired from Dickow Pump Company in 1995 as North American Sales Manager, and left Dawsonville, GA for Jensen Beach, FL in 1997 to pursue his dream of cruising on his Catamaran, “Nipigon”. Tom and Rosanne spent many years cruising the Bahamas, Florida Keys and the East Coast of the United States. His love of the Indian River Lagoon outweighed most of the fish he caught; in fact, fishing with Hannah, Jacob and his friend John Beranek was the highlight of his life.

In 2000, Tom and Rosanne moved to North Hutchinson Island and bought Caribbean Shores Motel (“I bought myself a job”!) in Jensen Beach. They had the business for three years, retiring once more in 2003. His hobbies of reading, fishing, gardening, sailing, and riding his Buell brought him numerous hours of pleasure, and kept him younger than his years. A true patriot, Tom served in the US Army, stationed in South Korea in the late 1950’s.

A Celebration of his life will follow at a later date. Any memorial donations may be made in his honor to The St Lucie County Humane Society of Fort Pierce, 100 Savannah Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34982, or any charity of your choice.