Thomas J. Johnson

Thomas J. Johnson, resident of Hernando, FL, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, after a brief illness. Born in Stamford, CT on October 8, 1942, to John H. Johnson and Elizabeth C. Murphy, he was predeceased by his parents, his beloved wife of 42 years, Phyllis M. Johnson, and their dog Max.

He is survived by his sister Elizabeth M. Johnson, his son Mark H. Johnson (Laura Frahm), his daughter Erica C. Johnson (Joshua Sadler), and their mother Janet J. Gilnack, his stepson Chris Formato (Tracey), his stepdaughter Keira Yovan (Darren), his wonderful grandchildren Sam Formato, Emma Formato, Sarah Formato Widdrington (Matt), Garson Yovan, Wynter Yovan, and his buddy Pete.

After he graduated high school (Class of 1960) from New Rochelle High School, New Rochelle, NY, Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1961. He attended boot camp at Parris Island, followed by Sea School. His tour of duty took him around the world with the 1 st Battalion on the USS Little Rock (CLG-4) and he served proudly as a “Soldier of the Sea” until he was honorably discharged in 1964, when he joined the Marine Corps Reserve.

He graduated from the Connecticut State Police Academy (Class of 1966), then served as a Connecticut State Police Sergeant until he retired in 1990. A proud Irish Cop, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration & Political Science (Class of 1978) from University of New Haven in New Haven, CT.

After he retired from the CSP, he served as the District Executive (1990-1992) for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Mohegan Council. This role was a continuation of decades serving as a volunteer for the BSA wearing many hats, including Unit Commissioner, most recently as a member of the Southwest Florida Council of BSA.

He pursued his lifelong interest in History & Archeology and earned a Master of Museum Administration (Class of 1993) from Framingham State College in Framingham, MA. He began a second career in museum administration as the Director of Protective Services (1992-1996) at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA.

Tom and Phyllis relocated to Sarasota, FL in 1996 and enjoyed nearly 30 years together there. During that time, he served as Assistant Director of Operations & Chief of Security (1996-1998) at the John & Mabel Ringling Museum in Sarasota, FL; then Director of Operations (2000-2001) at the Salvador Dali Museum, St. Petersburg, FL.

Tom & Phyllis were fortunate to travel the world together visiting places like – Alaska, Argentina, Chile, Dominican Republic, Mexico, England, France, Italy, Greece, Romania, Russia, Finland, Iceland, Switzerland, Ireland, and more.

Tom was a lifelong Democrat, historian, conservationist, adventurer, raconteur, and collector of countless artifacts and books in a variety of subjects including Irish & Scottish History, Genealogy, Archeology, the Lewis & Clark Expedition, Mountain Men, Fur Trading, The Boy Scouts of America, State & International Police, and of course the Marines.

He was an active and proud member of the Marine Corps League & Honor Guard, serving at one time as Commandant of Marine Corps League, the Military Order of the Devil Dogs, Connecticut State Police Union, Connecticut State Police Academy Alumni Association, National Association of Retired Law Enforcement Officers (NARLEO) recently serving as a Trustee, and as a volunteer with the Citrus County Sheriff’s fingerprinting team and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

While a volunteer with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, he served as Flotilla Commander with the Flotilla 85 Palmetto and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). He also maintained membership in the International Police Association, American Association of State Troopers, The American Legion, Marine Corps Historical Foundation, United States Seagoing Marine Association, and the USS Little Rock Association.

His deep connection with the natural world was evident throughout his life, and the pages of his National Parks Passport in which he recorded nearly 50 stamps, as well as memberships with National Park Foundation, Sierra Club, Audubon Society, Time Sifters Archaeology Society, and the Connecticut Cetacean Society. Additionally, his fascination with fur trade led him to become a member of the Museum of the Fur Trade, Rocky Mountain Fur Trade Co., Sublette County Historical Society, and led him on many trips to Pinedale, WY, for fur trade symposiums and to explore more of the Wind River Range.

The Celebration of Life for Thomas J. Johnson will be held at Heinz Funeral Home, 2507 Hwy 44 W, Inverness, FL, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 3-5 PM. In the style of an Irish Wake, we invite those who know him to come raise a glass and share a story.

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation for the Visiting Angels of Citrus Hills, and Hernando-Pasco Hospice.