Federico Johnson

Federico "Freddy" Johnson, 97, of Travesia, Puerto Cortes, Honduras, passed away on December 2, 2024 in Ocala, Florida. Federico Johnson, was born in Travesia, Honduras to Tomas Johnson Nunez and Patricia Arzu Estrada on June 24, 1927. His mother sent him to a boys school, Escuela de Chile in Puerto Cortes. As a young boy, he lived there for several years in Cortes. He worked as a delivery boy and an apprentice to a tailor. Federico loved working there and it was where his love for fashion flourish. Young Federico saw the many men in the community working on the ships. During World War 2 those men and his brother, Rufino Arzu joined to help United States. in the 1940s was able to find work on the Honduran ships. Federico gained experience in the Steward and Deck Departments. Federico Johnson went to New York with an opportunity offer by his brother Rufino to find work on the ships in United States. He joined the National Maritime Union and began his career as a merchant seaman. Federico took classes offered by the union and moved up to working in the Engine Department as a Refrigeration Engineer. His best trips was going to Cuba and translating for the Captain. He married Norma Nunez in 1959. Federico business savy allowed him the opportunity to purchase Real Estate in Brooklyn and with her help managed apartment building. He was treasurer of several Garifuna organization in New York. After 25 years, he retired. He worked for the Taxi and Limousine and Security in Bayonne, NJ. He was offered an opportunity to work for the Navy. So he came out of retirement and went back to work for the Navy and was station in Norfolk VA. The family moved to Florida. He retired a second time. Federico is preceded in death by his wife, Norma Beatriz Johnson Nunez, parents Tomas Johnson, Patricia Arzu, his twin Abel Johnson, brothers Rufino, Moises, Tomas, Cesar, and Florentine Johnson. Federico is survived by his chidren Eusebia "Celia" Niako Johnson, Amilcar Federico Johnson, Beatriz Oneida Johnson, Diane L. Johnson, and Luis Manuel Johnson. Sisters: Luciana Lambert, Ernestina Avila, Lucia Young, and Aurora Garcia; Brother: Samuel Johnson. Grandchildren, Osei and Olaniji Osborne, Yasmine Bullock and Martin Mejia, Cynthia McDowell Niako, Doris Gillette Niako, Janiece Johnson, Alejandro Enrique Johnson, Briana, Alexis, Raven and Serenity Nelson, April Louisa and Desiree Johnson. Great Grandchildren, Eusebia Osborne, Jacinta and Sebastian Osborne, Yasmire and Maiah Bethea, Sanaanda Bullock, Joyce, Javiela and Martin "Solis" Mejia, Jr., Laila and Elijah McDowell, Amir Gillette, Julian Frederick Johnson, Emerie and Solara Alexander.

Federico Johnson

June 24, 1927 - December 2, 2024