Ernest L. Johnson Sr., 88, of East Dennis and Auburn, MA, passed away suddenly on January 8, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Worcester, MA, to Alfred and Alice (Gullberg) Johnson, and was predeceased by his seven older siblings.

Ernie and his wife, Jeanne (Ritchie) Johnson married in 1952, enjoyed traveling cross-country multiple times in their motor home during their nearly 67 years together, visiting all 50 states. Ernie served as a U.S. Army sergeant with the Fifth Engineering Battalion in Germany, during the Korean War. Following his service, he ran Johnson Brothers Construction with his partner and brother, Clifford. Ernie was a real estate entrepreneur in Auburn for many years, until his passing. He loved being surrounded by family, especially his nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Ernie remained incredibly active throughout his entire life. At the age of 67, he became an avid cyclist, and went on to complete the Pan Mass Challenge seven times. He was also a kayaker exploring Cape Cod and the waterways of Florida. He greatly enjoyed early morning walks with his friends. Inspired by his service, he remained a military enthusiast throughout his life, hosting several army reunions on Cape Cod and gathering a collection of vintage army vehicles from the 1940s and 1950s. Further, he was an industrious gardener, who often fed his family and friends with the fruits and vegetables of his labor. He was a passionate philanthropist, who gave much and volunteered his time to such causes as Shriner’s Hospital for Children, the Wounded Warrior Project, Homes for Our Troops, and Homeless Veterans of Worcester. He was a 32nd Degree Mason.

 Ernie is survived by his wife, Jeanne; his oldest son, Scott and his wife, Deborah of Auburn, and their children, Tammy and her husband, Jamie, Cody, Kaylee and her husband, Ryan, and Seth; his son, Ernie Jr. and his wife, Aileen of Dennis, and their son, Alex; his daughter, Laurie Lanciault and her husband, Jim of Auburn, and their daughter, Jenna; his daughter, Lynda Gemme and her husband, Paul of East Dennis, and their children, Erica, Amanda, and Andrew. He is also survived by four great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, including Mike and Ellie Smith of Brewster, and his lovable goldendoodle, Abbey.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 19, at Cape Cod Covenant Church at 11 Satucket Road in Brewster. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA, 01104 or visit donate.lovetotherescue.

We will always have great memories of biking with Ernie & the fun filled days kayaking at shell creek and many other places. He inspired a lot of us to do things we didn't think we could. A wonderful man we are all going to miss.

We are so very sorry for your loss. Ernie was a WONDERFUL man. You are all in our prayers

Sorry for your loss. We will donate to Shriners in your Dad's honor.y

My deepest sympathies to your family. My memories of Mr. Johnson are of a very kind man who always was happiest with his family. May all your memories of your time together comfort you now. Keeping your family in my prayers.

We will always have great memories of you, remembering all the times we shared together, you will truly be missed. Love, Lester and Becky.

I'm so sorry for your loss of your dad ! My condolences go out to you and your family at this time !!if there's anything I could do for you please just ask !!

So sorry for you loss Scott, and Debbie and your family prayers are thoughts are with you and your family.

I will surely miss my father-in-law of 42 years. I was able to call you Dad almost twice as long as my own. You “christenened me “ into the family, on our very first meeting, in your pool, where Scott and I bought back your family home, 25 years ago. We enjoyed spending time with you and Mom, with our children and grandchildren at your two Auburn, FL, & three Cape Cod homes throughout these past decades. All loved your tales of the military, but especially the many parades and antique car shows in the back of your numerous vintage Army vehicles you purchased and Scott restored. That is an especially warm memory that we all share, that so few get to do. We are so proud of your huge heart, how much you volunteered and generously donated to so many charities. So many birthday and holidays you’d say, “please no gifts, make a donation to...”. Dad I hope you’re having a blast reminiscing with your Army pals and in the loving arms of your siblings and parents. Know there is an Army of family and friends down here on Earth that misses you dearly and hopes to carry on at least part of that legacy, of Patriotism and charitable endeavors to others, that you paved the way for your loving family. I’m so glad all 14 of my “crew” could spend our last Christmas celebration with you a couple weeks ago. RIP Dad, now go enjoy yourself, and please have a drink and hang with my whole family too! Love and miss you!

My dear Uncle, he was such a good guy, and my sister and I would take our mother back to visit he and Jeanne. You and Mom can visit again. Love to your family