Peter S. Johnson ’94

PJ Johnson of Portsmouth, NH passed on from this life on December 9, 2017. PJ was the loving and proud father of Katie, Maggy and Zachary Johnson of Kittery Point, Maine.

Raised in Tenafly, N.J. PJ spent his youth playing ice hockey, lacrosse and crew launching his love for the water. PJ’s team went on to win numerous opportunities to include rowing in the Royal Henley Regatta. He graduated from Maine Maritime Academy in 1994 and began working for Mormac Marine Group as a 3rd mate. After getting promoted to chief mate and traveling the world PJ embarked on a new adventure working for Reinauer Transportation sailing in and out of New York Harbor. PJ was part of the rescue and recovery operations after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centers and received an award for his efforts.

Continuing his service to the community, PJ became a volunteer fireman for the Kittery Point Fire Department. PJ began his career as an apprentice for the Portsmouth Pilots in 2005 and in 2012 became a federal harbor pilot. PJ was a driving force in the expansion and operations of the Port of Portsmouth, NH including the rebuilding of the Memorial Bridge and the reconstruction of the Sarah M. Long Bridge. PJ was committed to the continuation of a working waterfront supporting the fisherman, the businesses and the local economy.

At the same time that he was building his maritime career his passion for skiing gave him great opportunities to spend time with his family. He loved nothing more than ducking out for a power day! Through his services with the Cannon Mountain Ski Patrol he was able to combine his knowledge and expertise of life saving and rescue with skiing. He was quickly welcomed into the proud service of the Canon Mountain Ski Patrol and was recognized for his efforts during the rescue operation in 2016 when he was the Incident commander for the successful tram evacuation.

He was the dedicated son of Michael S. and Melinda S. Johnson of Boca Raton, FL and brother to Katherine B. Johnson and brother- in- law Robert Dee, Garrison, NY. He is survived by Susan Hackett Johnson and their three children, of Kittery Point, ME.

A fund has been set up to provide education and support to his family. Donations can be sent to the family or made through the Go Fund Me Account https://www.gofundme.com/k8ds3-johnson-family-support-fund

An outside memorial service will be held on the New Hampshire State Port Authority Pier at 555 Market Street Portsmouth NH 03801 on Saturday at 1:30 for all to attend, please dress warmly, followed by a party in his honor from 3pm-6pm at Foster’s Clambake and Catering 5 Axholme Road York Maine 03909. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.jspelkeyfuneralhome.com. Care for the Johnson family has been entrusted to the JS Pelkey funeral Home.