Daniel F. Johnson

Daniel F. “Dozer” Johnson

Oneida-Daniel F. “Dozer” Johnson, 71, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 24, 2022, at the Oneida Healthcare Extended Care Center.

He was born in Syracuse on May 13, 1951, the son of the late Gilbert “Fred” and Clara Jean Albee Johnson.   Dan was raised in Oneida and was a graduate of Oneida High School.  Following high school, Dan joined the United States Air Force and had served his tour in Vietnam. Upon his return home, he followed in his father’s footsteps as a heavy equipment operator.  He was known to many by his nick name Dozer.  He was a skilled operator that was able to change the contour of the earth with precise precision.  At the inception of Oneida-Madison BOCES, they needed a skilled instructor for the Heavy Equipment Operator Course.  Dozer was sought out and jumped at the chance to be on the ground floor of this exciting new program.  He spent 33 years teaching at BOCES.  He trained many a young person in the skills of not only operating and maintaining heavy equipment, but to do it safely. Dozer took great pride in every student who graduated from his program.  Dozer was a proud member of the Oneida American Legion Post # 169, and the Durhamville Veterans Club.  Dozer was a great outdoorsman.  He had a love for the family retreat in Forestport.  Dozer enjoyed the peace of the family camp, and where he always found time for his favorite hobby, hunting and fishing. The camp was a place where the family would gather for many cherished memories.  Most of all, Dozer will be remembered for his loving and caring for family and friends.

He is survived by his mother Clara Jean; his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Kourey Johnson, their son Jack; a daughter Elizabeth and granddaughter Bella; daughters Hope and Laura; his siblings: Marjorie, Richard, Walter, Judy, Peter and Lorrie; and several nieces and nephews.

Dozer was predeceased by his father Fred and his brother Steve.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4-7 PM at the Coolican-McSweeney & Paul Funeral Home, 322 Washington Avenue in Oneida.  Private family interment services with Military Honors will be held on Friday at the Boonville Cemetery. To offer a condolence or share a memory, please visit: coolican-mcsweeney.com  

In Dozer’s name kindly consider donation to the Oneida American Legion Post # 169, 398 North Main Street, Oneida, New York 12341.

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