Roy Fitzherbert Johnson

COLONIE - Roy Fitzherbert Johnson, arrived in this world on November 29, 1926, in Kingston, Jamaica. Roy served in the Royal Air Force in the U.K. during World War II. After the war, he joined the police force, becoming a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in 1949 with assignments in Port Maria, Annotto Bay, Retreat, and Highgate in the Parish of St. Mary, and for several years at the police headquarters in Kingston. Roy rose through the ranks becoming a full corporal in charge of the Constant Spring Division of the Police Department. Roy retired from the Police Force after 20 years of service. He then emigrated to the U.S. and worked with Manufacturers Hanover Trust Bank also for 20 years until he retired in 1989.

In 1951, while stationed at Annotto Bay, he visited the Annotto Bay Post Office to obtain the daily police correspondence. He was smitten by this young lady, Ruth, who had just arrived in Annotto Bay as a telegraphist. Ruth would become the love of his life. Roy found every excuse to go to the post office. Ruth was equally smitten by this 'face guy' with his charming personality. They were married on June 6, 1953 and have had a fruitful 62 years of marriage with five children, 13 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Roy and Ruth, together understood and stressed the value of education, and they could proudly count several attorneys, engineers, physicians, scientists, and other professionals among the Johnson clan.

Roy had a warm, inviting smile and an infectious laugh. When you were around him, you could not get away without hearing one of his infamous jokes or poignant words of wisdom. He had a sense of duty, obligation and timeliness. Even more important, Roy honed his uncanny skill at discerning peoples' intent, a skill he called "having common sense." He was not afraid of hard work. He cherished the time spent in his garden.

Roy loved to cook. His cooking was an oasis of Jamaican delicacy within the U.S. Everyone looked forward to his famous fried dumplings. All you needed was some Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, Red Stripe Beer, or Appleton drink, and his famous Jamaican cooking, festooned by his Jamaican accent, and you felt at home in Jamaica although still in the U.S.

Roy departed this life peacefully at the home of his son and daughter-in-law in Rhode Island on Monday, July 27, 2015. He was a few months shy of 89 years. Roy leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved wife, Ruth; daughter Jennifer Cooper (Rudy); son Anthony Johnson (Venette); son Lenworth Johnson (Patti Jo); son Patrick Johnson (Greta); daughter Bridgette McHale (Emmitt), 13 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. We love you eternally and will miss you always.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205 with visitation at 10 a.m. and Service at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2015. Internment will immediately follow the service at Memory Gardens, 983 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Albany, NY 12205 (Phone: 518-869-9506).