William R. Johnson, 86, manager

William R. Johnson, 86, of Drexel Hill, a retired manager for Radio Corp. of America in Camden, died Friday, Jan. 23, of pneumonia at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital.

For 35 years, Mr. Johnson worked in the broadcast systems division at RCA as a manufacturing administrator.

"He was an accountant. He took care of their budget; he watched their money. He was the only non-engineer in the department. He really, really liked it," said daughter Susanne Davis.

When General Electric bought RCA, he left that position but continued working part-time at St. Francis Country House in Darby Borough and Acro Display in the Hunting Park section of Philadelphia. He retired at age 84.

A Southwest Philadelphia native, Mr. Johnson was a 1946 graduate of West Catholic High School, where he played several varsity sports. He graduated in 1950 from what is now La Salle University.

After college, Mr. Johnson went to Officer Candidate School and graduated as a second lieutenant in the Army. He served stateside during the Korean War because, just before he was deployed to Korea, his wife, Claire Berenato Johnson, delivered twin girls.

He was a member for 52 years of St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Drexel Hill. He helped with fund-raising, weekly bingo, and Catholic Charities collections. He coached basketball for the parish's Catholic Youth Organization.

Mr. Johnson bowled Friday evenings from September through May at Playhouse Lanes on Garrett Road in Drexel Hill.

"It was a league. He had to be there," his daughter said. "But it was a fun thing."

Mr. Johnson was an avid golfer and played in several leagues in Pennsylvania and South Jersey. He was a member of the Avalon (N.J.) Golf Club. In retirement during the summer, he liked to spend time at his home in Sea Isle City, N.J.

He enjoyed following his grandchildren's school and sports activities.

Surviving, besides his daughter and wife of 62 years, are another daughter, Nancy Casey; sons Bill Jr. and Gary; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers; a sister; and nieces and nephews. Another daughter, Mary Claire, died in 2005.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 3500 School Lane, Drexel Hill, Pa. 19026. Interment is in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.

Contributions may be made to the St. Andrew's School Capital Campaign at the church's address above.