We are sad to announce the passing of Jay M. Johnson of Thompson, Connecticut. He died at age 68 on October 10, 2022. Jay passed away surrounded by his loved ones after a short illness.

Jay was born to Warren and Mary Beverly (Markham) Johnson in Hopedale MA, where he graduated from Hopedale Jr.-Sr. High School in 1973.

After graduation from UMass-Dartmouth, he bought his first company, Milford Delivery Service, in Milford MA at the age of 21. After selling MDS, he worked for Arpin Van Lines in West Warwick RI as manager of their warehouse for many years. He owned and operated a startup dealership, Coastal International Trucks, LLC in Warwick RI since 1996.

As the owner of Coastal International Trucks, he often would generously donate time,

equipment or supplies to many local organizations, including the Blackstone-Millville Marching Band where from 1997 to 2003 he provided the lettering and design for the trailer, as well as converting the trailer to a "rolling" closet for the band.

Jay proudly obtained a patent from the US Government pertaining to the installation of solar panels on the roof of tractor trailers.

He served as a police officer for the towns of Hopedale and Douglas, retiring after 25 years of service in 2005.

Jay loved life and was a thrill seeker by nature, he took chances in life and work when others wouldn't dare.  He enjoyed, boating, scuba diving, piloting small planes and relaxed spending time with family and friends. He also enjoyed collecting classic cars, trucks, boats or even an occasional plane. You sometimes would find him at a car show or riding his motorcycle on the back roads of Connecticut.

He enjoyed traveling around the country with family and friends, taking on the role of tour guide. Jay had an open-door policy with his neighbors, friends, employees, and family at his homes in Connecticut and Florida.

Jay is predeceased by his parents, two sisters Charlene "Candy" Baker and Jill Johnson, and his son Christopher A. Johnson.

Jay is survived by his wife of 28 years, Joan (Peltier) Peltier-Johnson; , his sons: Michael N. Johnson &  Matthew W. Johnson; his daughter-in-law: Jackie (Kelley); his two grandchildren: Max and Josie and several nieces and nephews.

His funeral will be held Monday (October 17th) at 10am from the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home, 44 Congress Street, Milford MA followed b y a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am in Sacred Heart Church, 187 Hopedale Street, Hopedale MA. Burial will follow in Hopedale Village Cemetery. Visiting hours will be Sunday (October 16th) from 2pm to 5pm at the Edwards Memorial Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Oliva Family Cancer Comfort Fund, c/o the Milford Regional Healthcare Foundation, 14 Prospect Street, Milford MA 01757.