William D. Johnson

SACO – William David Johnson “Bill”, 92, of Schooner Way, Saco, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Bill was born in Greenwich, Conn., on March 12, 1934, the son of Frank Edward Johnson and Elizabeth Robinson Johnson and the younger brother of Betty Ann (Johnson) Ketcham. Growing up, Bill worked doing odd jobs and assisted his father in equestrian pursuits with the Fairfield-Westchester hounds and at local horse shows. He played hockey, football and sang in the choir at Christ Episcopal Church in Greenwich. A devastating football injury and resulting surgery his junior year of high school would prevent Bill from playing contact sports in the future and disqualify him for military service despite four years of ROTC in college.

After graduating from Greenwich High School, Bill went on to the University of Maine at Orono, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Economics in 1956. He continued his love of music as a member of the Glee Club. At U Maine, Bill was a Varsity “M” athlete, co-captain of both the indoor and outdoor track teams, and a Yankee Conference record holder in the hammer throw. Bill was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity where he made life-long friends.

The most notable event of Bill’s college years was meeting the love of his life, Mary Priscilla Atkinson of Saco. They were married on June 16, 1956, and were looking forward to celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary this year.

Following graduation, Bill began his career with what was then Socony Mobil Oil Corporation. He enjoyed a successful 36-year tenure with the company, serving 20 years as Boston District Sales Manager and retiring in 1992 as Northeast Region Wholesale Manager. As his career advanced, Bill and Mary moved their young family nine times, finally settling in Topsfield, Mass.

During their 25 years of residence in Topsfield, Bill was deeply involved in civic and community life. He served on the Regional School Board, town Select Board, and sang bass in the Congregational Church choir, sharing both his love of music and his remarkable voice.

Throughout Bill’s working years, a favorite respite for the family was time spent at the Atkinson family farm in North Saco. Each June, Mary and Bill would load up their children along with a menagerie of pets and move to “the Little Farm” for the summer months. Bill commuted from Topsfield on weekends and cherished his vacation time spent there.

In 1989, Bill and Mary renovated the 18th century farmhouse and moved permanently to Saco. Retirement only increased Bill’s pace of service. He served two consecutive five-year terms as a member of the University of Maine Board of Trustees and held board positions with Thornton Academy, the Portland Symphony, and New England Rehabilitation Hospital. Bill also served the City of Saco as a City Councilor and was elected Mayor for three terms. Later in life, Bill enjoyed the camaraderie and competition of the Maine Senior Games.

Bill was predeceased by his parents.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Johnson; his sister, Betty Ann Ketcham; son, David M. Johnson and wife Gayle, Topsfield, Mass., son, Dale E. Johnson and wife Karin, Shapleigh, and daughter, Nancy-Jane Luff and husband Richard, North Hampton, N.H.. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Byron Johnson and wife Lauryn, Norris Johnson and wife Nicole, Morgan Johnson, Peter Luff, William Luff, Caroline Luff.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 10 at 11 a.m. at First Parish Congregational Church, 12 Beach St., Saco. Reception following the service.

Dennett, Craig & Pate Funeral Home, Saco are entrusted with his services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to:

First Parish Congregational Church, UCC

12 Beach St.

Saco, ME 04072

or

Mary A. Johnson ’55 Presidential Scholarship

University of Maine Foundation

Two Alumni Place

Orono, ME 04469‑5702