Gerry Johnson
Naples, FL
Gerry Johnson, 65, a longtime Naples resident and Naples Daily News institution, died November 29, 2009, at his home in Old Naples.
Friends and family will remember the 27 year newspaper librarian as a man who knew something about everything - and if he didn’t, he knew where to go to find it out.
Gerry was born November 8, 1944 in Middlesboro, KY. He grew up in New Jersey and came to Naples with his family as a teen-ager. He spent many days fishing at the Naples Pier. He graduated from Naples High School in 1963.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Florida, spending his junior year studying at the University of Hawaii.
Gerry was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Bamburg, Germany. To his dismay, he worked as a cook despite the Army having trained him to drive heavy equipment.
During his time on leave, Gerry traveled across Europe and to South America and Mexico. After his stint in the Army, he attended Florida State University and earned Master’s degrees in urban/regional planning and in library sciences.
He worked for a time in the 1970s at the University of South Florida marine research laboratory in St. Petersburg. Upon returning to Naples, he worked briefly for the City of Naples before becoming the Naples Daily News librarian in 1980.
In that role, he catalogued thousands of newspaper clippings and historical photographs that became an invaluable resource not only for reporters and editors but community history lovers and authors.
Gerry also wrote a popular Naples Daily News column about astronomy, one of his many interests, along with history, music and film noir.
He retired from the Naples Daily News in 2007, but his archival impulse did not let up. He kept two iPods and computers loaded with old country and blues music and stored personal interviews with Naples historical figures on audiotape.
Gerry was preceded in death by his mother, Frances Johnson; and father, Bertram Johnson.
He is survived by his brothers, Barry of Naples, and Richard of Tallahassee.
A celebration of Gerry’s life will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, December 5th at Naples Funeral Home, 3107 Davis Blvd., Naples.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerry’s memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Please sign guestbook naplesnews.com/obits
Thanks to Gerry, Danny and all who follow "The Real Naples"
ReplyDeleteRest Peacefully Gerry.
C3R
It is with great sadness that I announce the unexpected death of my brother Gerry on Sunday November 29. He was loved and respected by everyone who knew him, and will be dearly missed. Friends are invited to attend a celebration of his life on Saturday December 5 at the Naples Funeral Home 3107 Davis Blvd. from 3:00 - 5:00 P.M.
ReplyDeleteBarry
Barry, Rick, and family . . .
ReplyDeletePlease accept my heartfelt condolences.
I didn't know Gerry personally, but his knowledge and contributions in this humble blog have helped to inspire me; he will surely be missed.
You have not only lost a brother; Naples has has lost a great historian.
Seagate Homeboy
NHS Class of '67
7:42 AM PST
Dear Gerry~
ReplyDeleteI feel blessed to have known you. You will always be remembered for your kindness in helping anyone and everyone who came into your path. You taught me so much about Naples history, past and present. I will always cherish our friendship. Miss you, Lisa
Just looking at this picture you can tell that Gerry Johnson grew up in the real Naples. The Look.
ReplyDeleteJS
The picture looks like the Isle of Capri Bridge rather than the Pier.
ReplyDeleteThis Picture was not taken at the pier... It is under the bridge to Marco.... I spent to many hours fishing at that exact spot to not recognize it.
ReplyDelete