A man who was struck and killed by an SUV in Walpole late last month is being remembered by his family and friends as a talented machinist and family man.
Walpole resident David William Johnson, 83, was hit by an SUV around 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 27 as he tried to cross Washington Street, the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office said previously. Firefighters took him to a hospital where he was declared dead.
The 19-year-old woman who was driving the SUV stayed at the crash scene, the district attorney’s office said. Authorities have not announced any charges against her.
Johnson was born in Norwood on March 3, 1942, to the late Arthur and Victoria Johnson, according to his obituary. He grew up in Walpole, graduating from Norfolk County Agricultural High School in 1959.
After graduating, Johnson worked at the Bird Box Factory in East Walpole, according to his obituary. Soon, he found “his true passion as a machinist” and began working at Harvard Apparatus — a physiological research equipment manufacturer in Natick.
“His talents didn’t go unnoticed, and his supervisors encouraged him to take programming classes in Boston, which helped him learn to operate the new machinery,” his obituary reads.
Johnson married his beloved wife, Patricia Turco, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Walpole on Sept. 11, 1977, according to his obituary. They raised a son and daughter together over the course of their nearly 50 years of marriage.
“The couple made their home on Washington Street in Walpole, where David loved taking care of his house and decorating for different seasons and holidays,” his obituary reads.
After dedicating 32 years to Harvard Apparatus, Johnson retired and spent his days at home gardening and watching Boston sports, according to his obituary. He was especially passionate about growing his prize tomatoes.
“He was truly a jack of all trades — whether working on his cars, handling small electrical or plumbing projects, or even building his own television. There wasn’t much he couldn’t do,” Johnson’s obituary reads.
“His skills extended into the kitchen as well. An excellent chef, David savored cooking and often delighted his family with homemade meals.”
In addition to his wife and children, Johnson leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends, according to his obituary.
