Philip Avery Johnson was born in 1941 in Lakewood, Ohio, to John E. and Ruth Avery Johnson. He passed away Feb. 28, 2024, after an extended illness that he handled with amazing grace.
Phil was a beloved, gentle, scholarly and kind soul who leaves behind to cherish his memory Margaret McMillen, his devoted wife of 38 years; loving children Lori Avery Faust (David) and Jeffrey L. Johnson (Amanda); grandchildren, Avery, Drew and Scott Faust and Jack Johnson; and sister Carolyn Johnson Bethea (Philip).
Phil was a very dedicated alumnus of Yale University where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He also received degrees from Ohio State University (M.A. in math), and the first doctorate in computer science from Rutgers University.
Phil was a lifetime member of the Western Reserve Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. He had a 30-plus year distinguished career with AT&T Bell Laboratories in New Jersey, culminating as a computer scientist working on network management and national telecommunications standards.
After retiring in 1996, Phil had a second career as an adjunct professor at schools such as Rutgers, College of William and Mary, Hampton University and Florida Institute of Technology at Fort Eustis, Virginia.
Phil and his wife Margaret retired to Williamsburg, Virginia, to pursue his interests in teaching, reading, history and golf. He was a devoted member of the Tower Hill Presbyterian Church of Red Bank and then the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church and sang in their choirs for many years.
After 20 wonderful years in Williamsburg, Phil and Margaret returned to New Jersey in 2018 to be closer to family.
Phil enjoyed life shared with family and friends. The family is thankful to the dedicated staff at Williamsburg Landing in Virginia and The Atrium at Navesink Harbor for their care during his last few years.
In lieu of flowers, a charitable donation may be made in Philip’s memory to the scholarship fund at Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520.
A memorial service followed by a light repast will be held at 12:30 p.m. March 16 at Tower Hill Presbyterian Church, 255 Harding Road, Red Bank.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.johnedayfuneralhome.com.
This article originally appeared in the March 14 – 20, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
