Walter Johnson, 85, of East Haven, died on Dec. 5, 2012 at the West Haven Veterans Medical Center. He was the beloved husband of the late Shirley Ann Champlin Johnson. Walter was born on Jan. 12, 1927, son of the late Walter and Clara Melillo Johnson. He was a teamster who had worked for Cott Beverages as a driver for many years until he retired. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Navy, bravely serving his country during World War II and fighting in the battle of Omaha Beach.

He is survived by his four beloved daughters, Shirley Johnson Roper and her husband Reid of Killingworth, and Doreen May Johnson and her husband Bobby, Alma Johnson Sauro, and Joan Johnson Molster and her husband Richard, all of East Haven; his beloved son, Walter Spencer Johnson and his wife Judy of East Haven; a brother, Warren Johnson of Pompano, Florida; and a sister, Claire Kenney, also of Pompano, Florida. He was also a very loving Pop-Pop to eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two brothers, Wesley Johnson and Gene Clarke, and a sister, Alice Curry.

His funeral mass took place at St. Clare Church, Coe Ave., East Haven. Burial with full military honors took place in East Lawn Cemetery. The East Haven Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.