William F. Johnson

William F. Johnson, age 89, of Uxbridge, died on March 29, 2026, with his loving family by his side. He leaves his wife of 62 years, Rita (Arguin) Johnson; a son, Glen Johnson and his wife, Denise; and two daughters, Laura (Johnson) Sheeran and her husband, Bill, and Lynn (Johnson) Anderson and her husband, Bill. He also leaves seven grandchildren: Derek Johnson and his partner, Gabi Chamberlain; Graham Johnson and his wife, Brady Dyer; Reid Johnson; Megan Sheeran and her partner, Jackson Southard; Nicole Sheeran; Liam Anderson; and Lauren Anderson.

     He is also survived by his loving siblings, Nancy (Johnson) Harper; Wanda (Johnson) Frappier and her partner, Rob Shea; and his brother, Harold (“Snooky”) Johnson. He leaves behind two beautiful great-granddaughters, Reese and Maeve Johnson, and will also be missed by his many nieces and nephews.

     Bill was born on November 8, 1936, in Milford, MA, the son of the late Ida (Gniadek) Johnson and Harold Johnson, Sr. He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert Johnson and Frederick (“Beaver”) Johnson.

     Bill was a proud lifelong resident of Uxbridge and loved learning about the Blackstone Valley’s rich history. A graduate of Uxbridge High School, he was a standout baseball and football player for the Spartans. When his sister Nancy raised her family in Northbridge, a friendly lifelong high school sports rivalry ensued. He and his siblings cherished time together and, in recent years, spent most Sunday evenings at Snook’s house for dinner.

     Following high school, Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served his country for three years, finishing his service as a military police officer in Washington, D.C. He remained deeply proud of his time in the Marines.

     After his service, he returned home to Uxbridge and married Marie Laurette Rita Arguin in June 1963. He often joked that he wondered who he was marrying, as he had always known her simply as Rita. Their happiest years were spent raising their children and enjoying as much time as possible with their grandchildren, both at home and by the pool at 19 Smith Street.

     Bill began working in the siding industry and, in 1974, incorporated Johnson Siding Company with his wife, Rita, who handled the paperwork. He worked alongside his brother Beaver and nephew Mark Arguin for much of the 43 years he ran the business. Much to his dismay, he retired at the young age of 80. He often said he wished he could have worked longer and took great pride in pointing out the many homes, apartments, and churches throughout Worcester County and the Blackstone Valley that Johnson Siding completed.

     The family shares many wonderful memories, but his grandchildren will always remember him chasing their car as they drove up their grandparents’ driveway; the joyful gatherings on Christmas Eve; Thanksgiving football games with the Arguin family that were loved by all and always ended in a tie; many family meals at Wright’s Farm; Papa’s playful and ever-growing collection of Pokémon “Diglett” cards, rubber duckies, and hosta plants; boisterous Fourth of July celebrations at the annual Wellfleet parade; and his presence at countless sporting events, concerts, plays, ceremonies, and graduations. His grandson Derek, a folk musician, even wrote a song inspired by his hardworking Papa titled “The Ladder Climbing Man.”

     Bill had a zest for life, was loved by many, and will be deeply missed. 

     According to Bill’s wishes, he will be cremated and his family will celebrate his life privately. Always quiet and humble, he left light hearted instructions that there be no fanfare. Memorial donations in his memory may be made to Uxbridge School Athletic Booster Club (USABC), 300 Quaker Highway Uxbridge, MA 01569 or visit uxbridgeboosters.org

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