Michael C. Johnson, 55, of Haverhill, formerly of Plaistow, passed away Thursday, May 21, at Penacook Place, Haverhill, after a battle with cancer.
He was born in Haverhill, the son of James and Mary (Vlahos) Johnson, raised in Plaistow, he attended Timberlane Regional High School and was a graduate of Dover Vo-Tech, class of 1978, with a degree in both machinery and drafting.
Johnson was mostly known for his gifts and talents in the music industry. From age six he played acoustic guitar and entertained with major recording artists, as well as performing for people throughout his life. He taught himself to play the banjo, fiddle and pedal steel guitar. At the young age of 15, along with his father, they designed and built a pedal steel guitar that he played for many years. He had worked as a draftsman and machinist until he dedicated his life by bringing joy to others through his music.
He leaves his mother, Mary (Vlahos) Johnson, Haverhill; sister, Dee Johnson-Backhaus, and her husband, Paul; and brother, Steve Johnson, of Danville, N.H. He was predeceased by his father, James Johnson.
Friends and family are invited to attend funeral services for Johnson with a Mass being celebrated at 11 a.m., Tuesday morning, at the Holy Apostles Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, Winter Street, Haverhill. His family will receive guests in the church for one hour prior to the funeral mass beginning at 10. Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery, Mill St.