Gary N. Johnson

Garland "Gary" N. Johnson, 55 of Bear, DE, died suddenly Friday, October 1, 2010 at his home. He was born in North East, MD, on April 5, 1955. Mr. Johnson was the founder/director of Amazing Grace Outreach Ministries/US Food Rescue. Since 1997, Amazing Grace Ministries has provided food, clothing and spiritual help to hundreds of thousands of people in need in DE, MD, PA, NJ and VA. His ministry even reached the devastated areas of Katrina, Ground Zero and Haiti. He also drove vans full of supplies to the underprivileged children in the Appalachian Mountains. When he wasn't busy reaching out to those around the country and the world, he was operating his food rescue in Middletown, DE, ministering to the needs of those in his own community. For over a decade, Gary served as pastor of Waterfront Worship, a church devoted to the needs of the boating community in the town of Northeast, MD. Gary's main desire was to see others come to know the Lord on a personal level and grow strong in their spiritual walk. In 2009, Gary received an Humanitarian Service Award from the Lions Club in Middletown, DE. Every summer, Amazing Grace would host a "Gospel in the Park" outreach in the town of Northeast. It was a day of music, food and fun as well as an opportunity to distribute Bibles & tracts to those who came. Gospel in the Park was something the community looked forward to each year, and Gary loved doing it. A devoted father, husband and friend, he enjoyed life and lived it to the very fullest. Those of us who knew and loved Gary can sum up his zeal for life in one verse: "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." Ecc. 9:10. He is survived by his loving wife: Carolyn Ferretti-Johnson of Bear, DE: his children: Neal Johnson of Elkton, MD, Maria W. Whitman of Bear, DE; his stepchildren: Dino A. Ferretti and his partner Julie Brogan of Clayton, DE; Marshall J. DeHaven-Sterling of Clayton, DE; his step-grandchild, Anthony M. Ferretti of Clayton, DE; and a sister-in-law, Joan D. DeHaven-McGovern and her husband Michael McGovern of Townsend, DE. He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Ann Johnson. Funeral services for Delaware friends and family, conducted by Rev. Edward J. Lasko, Sr., will be held Thursday, October 7, 2010 at 12:00 Noon at Middletown Baptist Church, 419 Armstrong Corner Road, Middletown, DE, with visitation from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Funeral services for Maryland friends and family, conducted by Pastor Gary Gilbert, will be held Friday, October 8, 2010 at 12:00 Noon at Crouch Funeral Home, 127 South Main Street, North East, MD with visitation from10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Interment will follow on Friday in North East Methodist Cemetery, North East, MD. Those who desire may make donations in memory of Gary to: Amazing Grace Outreach Program/U.S. Food Rescue in care of the funeral home. For condolences, visit www.CrouchFuneralHome.com.