Kenneth John Johnson, helped others in need
Kenneth John Johnson, 84, of Rehoboth Beach, formerly of Wilmington, died peacefully at home Monday, May 27, 2024.
He was born Jan. 4, 1940, in Pittsburgh, Pa., son of Edward Henry Johnson and Kathryn M. (Johnston) Johnson. The family moved to Johnstown, Pa., in 1945, and Ken graduated from Johnstown Central High School in 1957.
He continued his education at Franklin & Marshall College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature. He was also president of his fraternity there, Delta Sigma Phi. One of Ken’s proudest achievements was successfully challenging the national organization’s policy on minority membership. Under threat of having their charter revoked, Ken and his fraternity brothers prevailed, eliminating a discrimination clause. The chapter was honored by F&M’s administration and received national media attention. Ken was active in everything musical at F&M – men’s glee club, chapel choir, Conestogies (select male octet which entertained alumni functions throughout the Northeast), and college musicals.
Ken furthered his education at Wesley Theological Seminary, where he became an ordained Methodist deacon, and at Howard University School of Social Work, where he was an NIMH scholarship recipient and graduated with the highest distinction.
In 1968, Ken married Marjorie Crooks in Washington, D.C. Despite the end of their marriage 30 years later, many happy memories remain. Their daughter, Cara Michelle, was born in 1971 in Wilmington, to complete their family of three. Family vacations to Stone Harbor, N.J., the Grand Canyon and other national parks, Canada, and Disney World were particularly memorable. He loved being a father and was actively involved in all of Cara’s activities, including chaperoning school field trips and being part of the marching band pit crew. That love multiplied when he became a grandfather, and he enjoyed supporting his grandsons in all of their activities as well.
Ken was hired by Wilmington Child Guidance Center (later known as Delaware Guidance Services) in 1971 and worked there through 1993. Throughout those 22 years Ken wore many hats, but arguably his favorite was supervising second-year social work graduate students from the University of Pennsylvania, Hahnemann University, Bryn Mawr College, University of Maryland, and Widener University. Ken’s supervisory skills resulted in being selected for several ad hoc positions on faculty committees. He received the Social Work Supervisor of the Year award from the University of Pennsylvania.
Throughout Ken’s time at Delaware Guidance, he maintained a small private practice. From 1993-98, he continued his private practice full time. In 1998, Ken returned to Delaware Guidance, which had opened a new clinic in Rehoboth Beach, as director of the Intensive Outpatient Program. With a staff of bright, energetic therapists, IOP provided quality service to some of Sussex County’s most emotionally troubled youth and their families.
In 2003, Ken attempted to retire, but soon after, he was seeing private clients, facilitating support groups for cancer survivors (he started the first support group for Wellness Center/Cancer Support Community) and continued these for six years. Initially asked to temporarily fill the role of Minister of Caring at Epworth Methodist Church, Ken experienced some of his greatest professional and personal moments over the next seven years. Ministering to the ill, shut-ins, homeless, the hospitalized, the terminal, and the bereaved was a humbling and totally rewarding experience.
Ken was passionate about the arts. He studied piano for 12 years and was a finalist in the National Federation of Teachers competition. He continued to play piano through much of his life for personal enjoyment. He was a great supporter of the arts and of his daughter and grandson’s musical endeavors. Equally important was Ken’s love of theater, appearing in countless high school and college productions. For many years he looked forward to his biannual trips from Rehoboth Beach to New York City to see Broadway shows with friends. He also loved film and enjoyed going to the movies and film festivals.
Ken was a voracious reader with eclectic tastes, from Joyce Carol Oates to David Sedaris. During the pandemic, Ken re-read all the Dickens novels. Words fascinated him, and he was sure to complete a crossword puzzle daily, along with playing Wordle, Quordle, and Connections daily with friends. He also enjoyed playing games (and winning!) and played many rounds of Sorry! and Phase 10 with his grandsons.
Ken’s love of dogs was unconditional. Throughout the years, he found true companionship from Spunky, Milo, Chloe, and his faithful companion of 15 years, Dudley. His love of tennis started in his early teens and lasted his entire life. His annual trips to the U.S. Open with his three buddies rank high on his list of memorable times. Ken took great pride in his gardens and spent countless hours in his yard. He was so grateful for the friends who took care of his gardens when he was no longer able to. Ken also enjoyed cooking and hosting dinners. He was especially known for his secret recipe Christmas fudge.
Ken’s faith journey started at age 5 and continued throughout his life. In addition to brilliant, challenging sermons, Ken deeply immersed himself in the writings of Frederick Buechner and Henri Nouwen. He enjoyed attending National Cathedral services online during the pandemic and found a home in his later years at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes. Throughout his life, he volunteered countless hours of service to the churches he attended, and learned a new skill later in life when he joined the handbell choir, where he made several dear friendships. He also found that volunteering for the Food Bank of Delaware brought him great joy. Ken was a tireless advocate for those in need.
Of all of life’s gifts, Ken treasured friendships most. Both in his professional and personal life, Ken was humbled and grateful for all the connections and sharing he had with others. He wanted to express special gratitude to Pat Loughlin, Linda and Howie Gregory, Beth Nevill and Karen Kreiser, Gail Stenger, Tom Popovich, Fred Gentry, Freida Morgan, and Jon Worthington for always being there.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved sister-in-law, Nancy Johnson; and many cherished friends who enriched his life, notably Helen Mullarkey, Tom Daughtry and Mark Palmer.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Cara J. Stanard and son-in-law Scott Stanard of Wilmington; and his two wonderful grandsons, Gregory of Los Angeles, Calif., and Benjamin of Wilmington. He is also survived by his brother, Edward T. Johnson of Vero Beach, Fla.; his former wife, Marjorie C. Johnson of Wilmington; and his nieces and nephew.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Ken’s memory to one of his favorite nonprofits: The Wilmington Children’s Chorus, wilmingtonchildrenschorus.org; or Miriam’s Table, miriamstable.org.
At Ken’s request, there will be no funeral service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
