Kenneth Allen Johnson

After a long illness, Kenneth Allen Johnson of Boston transitioned peacefully to his heavenly home on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Born on June 4, 1944, he was the second of two children of Ruth E. Johnson.

Kenneth grew up in Roxbury and was educated in the Boston Public Schools, graduating from Boston Trade High School in 1963. He pursued a career in the plumbing trade and, after completing the five‑year apprenticeship program, advanced from journeyman plumber to master plumber.  Kenneth was the first African-American plumber in the Plumber's Union Local 12.  Over the years he worked on numerous plumbing contracts before establishing his own business, Johnson Mechanical Contracting Corp. In 1990, he accepted a position as a plumbing instructor at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School. A devoted teacher, Kenneth mentored and encouraged countless young men and women as they prepared for both their careers and their lives. Kenneth was also among a group of Madison Park teachers who traveled to Cape Verde and South Africa as ambassadors of goodwill and support to sister schools.

Kenneth's spiritual foundation was nurtured at home and deepened at Peoples Baptist Church, where he attended Sunday School from the nursery through young adulthood. He served as a junior usher and was active in the Baptist Youth Fellowship. Although he stepped away from the church for a period in adulthood, he later returned with renewed commitment, teaching an adult Sunday School class alongside his mother. He further invested in his biblical education at the Bethel Bible Institute, completing four years of study. Eager to serve, Kenny became a member of the Trustee Board—eventually serving as Chair—and was a leader of the People's Baptist Church Men's Group. He also served faithfully as a Deacon. In later years, he continued his fellowship and service at The Christian Life Sanctuary Church.

Kenneth was more than a casual friend. He was faithful, caring, and always ready to help—whether someone needed a meal, a place to stay, a listening ear, or advice. He was often the first call during a plumbing emergency. He loved lively conversations and debates about religion, politics, schools, and sports. For a time he enjoyed playing recreational basketball and was an avid bowler.

For Kenneth, family was always the highest priority. He is survived by his devoted sister, Juliette Johnson, with whom he shared a lifetime of memories, laughter, and unwavering support.

Kenneth is lovingly remembered by his children, Aaron Roberson and Latoja Roberson, who were the pride and joy of his life. He poured his heart into fatherhood, showing up with unwavering support, steady guidance, and a deep, abiding love that shaped their lives in countless ways.

He is also remembered with love by his grandchildren, Anthony and Taylor, who brought immeasurable joy and pride into his life. To them, he was a source of laughter, wisdom, and unconditional love. Kenneth is further survived by a caring and loving nephew, Stacy Johnson, a grandnephew, Freddy Johnson, and a host of cousins and friends.

Kenneth loved spending time with his family. Some of their happiest memories were made on outings he planned with enthusiasm and care — dinners at favorite restaurants, thrilling days at amusement parks, camping trips filled with stories and laughter. He believed that shared experiences were the heart of family life, and he created countless moments that his children and grandchildren will cherish forever.

Kenneth leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and unwavering faith. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit — joyful, compassionate, and full of heart — will continue to guide and inspire all who knew him.