Johnson , Reverend Francis P. Reverend Francis P. Johnson passed away on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at the age of 86. He was a resident of West Hartford, CT at the time of his death. Fr. Johnson was born on April 21, 1934 in Hartford, CT and was the son of the late Patrick and Marcella M. (Doran) Johnson. Fr. Johnson began his Catholic education at Saint Joseph Cathedral School in Hartford before entering Saint Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield. He would go on to complete theology studies at Saint Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland. He was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Reverend Henry J. O’Brien on May 26, 1960. Fr. Johnson’s first assignment was as Assistant Pastor at Blessed Sacrament Church in Waterbury. Additional early assignments included work as an Assistant at Saint Mary Church in Newington, Saint Augustine Church in Hartford, and the Church of the Incarnation in Wethersfield. He would then be named Pastor of Saint Helena Church in West Hartford, where he ministered for many years and would remain until his retirement in 2009. He is survived by his sister, Mary (Maybeth) E. Royce of Unionville; a nephew, Brian Royce and his wife of Kathleen of Newington; two nieces, Brenda Royce and her wife, Denise Lopez of Unionville and Patricia Royce of West Hartford; two great-nieces, two great-nephews and two great- great nephews. He is also survived by many cousins in the US and in Ireland. Fr. Johnson was predeceased by a brother, William J. Johnson and a brother-in-law, Bertie J. Royce. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair, Archbishop of Hartford, in The Church of St. Helena, Echo Lane, West Hartford on Thursday, March 11, at 11:00 AM. Calling hour will at the Church prior to the Funeral Mass beginning at 10:00 AM. Fr. Johnson will be interred in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield, CT. Memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities, 831-841 Asylum Ave, Hartford, CT 06105. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com