Philip Avery Johnson

Philip Avery Johnson – Born 1941 in Lakewood, Ohio, to John E. and Ruth Avery Johnson, Phil joined God’s heavenly choir on February 28, 2024, after an extended illness that he handled with amazing grace. Phil was a beloved gentle, scholarly, and kind soul who leaves behind to cherish his memory Margaret McMillen, his devoted wife of 38 years, loving children Lori Avery Faust (David) and Jeffrey L. Johnson (Amanda), and grandchildren Avery, Drew and Scott Faust and Jack Johnson, and sister Carolyn Johnson Bethea (Philip). Phil was a very dedicated alumnus of Yale Univ. (BA). He also received degrees from Ohio State Univ. (MA Math), and the first PhD in computer science from Rutgers Univ. Phil was a lifetime member of the Western Reserve Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. He had a 30-plus year distinguished career with AT&T Bell Laboratories, NJ, culminating as a computer scientist working on network management and national telecommunications standards. After retiring in 1996, Phil had a second career as an adjunct professor at schools such as Rutgers Univ., College of William and Mary, Hampton Univ., and Florida Institute of Technology at Fort Eustis, VA. Phil and his wife Margaret retired to Williamsburg, VA, to pursue his interests in teaching, reading, history, and golf. He was a devoted member of the Tower Hill Presbyterian Church of Red Bank, NJ, and then the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church and sang in their choirs for many years. After 20 wonderful years in Williamsburg, Phil and Margaret returned to NJ in 2018 to be closer to family. Phil enjoyed life shared with family and friends. The family is thankful to the dedicated staff at Williamsburg Landing (VA) and The Atrium at Navesink Harbor (NJ) for their care during his last few years. In lieu of flowers, a charitable donation may be made in Philip’s memory to the scholarship fund at Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520. A memorial service followed by a light repast will be held on March 16, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. at Tower Hill Presbyterian Church, 255 Harding Road, Red Bank, NJ.07701.