Willard E. "John" Johnson Jr. passed away at The Elmhurst Health Care in Melrose on July 9. 2021. He was 73 years of age. John was born and raised in NJ, entered the US Navy and served his country with pride during the Vietnam War for 8 years. He lived in Plaistow, NH and was a 25 year member of the Knights of Columbus there before moving to Melrose 6 years ago. He worked as a baker in Norwood for several years and then for the Wonder Bread Company in Natick. John was an avid New England Sports fan and loved to volunteer and help people in general. He was a member of St Adelaide Church in Peabody for several years. John and his wife Nancy loved taking walks around the local ponds and lakes watching the ducks and swans. But above all he was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. John was the husband of 46 years to Nancy M. (Warren) Johnson. Loving father of the late Nicole Johnson & Mark Johnson and proud grandfather of Alexandra Johnson. Also survived by many other loving family members & friends. Visitation will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Thursday, July 15, 2021 from 9:00-10:30AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Adelaide's Church, 708 Lowell St. Peabody at 11:30AM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in John's name to Spaulding Rehabilitation Center, Brain Injury Division, 300 1st Ave., Charlestown. MA 02129.