Obituary of David George Johnson

NEW CANAAN, CONN.

David George Johnson, 70, of New Canaan, CT, passed away at Yale New Haven Hospital on Thursday, September 21, 2017, surrounded by those who were most important to him — his family. 

Dave was a loving father to Lisa (Pasquale), Colin (Jean), Alan (Beth), Gregory, and Claudia. He was a devoted grandfather to Jackson, Trey, and Finn. 

On any given weekend, you could typically spot Dave on the sidelines of a youth soccer field enthusiastically cheering on one or the other of his three grandsons. To Dave, the most meaningful moments were those spent with his grandsons. He was a true constant in their lives. He was an invaluable mentor, a model of motivation with a determined mindset and, of course, the BEST mate to watch an Everton match with. 

David was born to George and Agnes Johnson, two hardworking, nurturing parents, on February 7, 1947, during one of Liverpool, England’s, harshest winters. As fellow scousers of that era, John, Paul, George and Ringo were toddling the same streets of Liverpool, which was rebuilding itself after the devastation of World War II. 

Everton and Goodison Park were part of daily conversation in the Johnson home while Dave was growing up. He frequently accompanied his dad to four-pound-per-ticket Everton games. This special tradition sparked a love for the game — and the team — within Dave. As soon as he was old enough, Dave found his way onto the soccer field and immersed himself in the game, eventually playing at the semi-professional level as an adult. After moving his family to the United States in 1979, Dave brought his passion for the sport to life once again. He founded Coerver Coaching, one of the first premier soccer clubs in the nation and based on the Coerver soccer technique. He later established Everton America, one of Fairfield County’s most elite soccer clubs.

Dave’s passion for sports, history and family were woven into the fabric of his life and touched every member of his family. A truly genuine, hardworking man, he will forever be remembered for his motivating, enthusiastic spirit and will be greatly missed. 

In addition to his children and grandchildren, Dave is also survived by the mother of his children Maureen, whom he considered a good friend.

Memorial Mass will be celebrated Thursday, September 28, 11:00 a.m., at Assumption Church, 98 Riverside Avenue, Westport CT. Immediately afterward, friends and family are invited to a celebration of Dave’s life at Rive Bistro, 299 Riverside Ave., Westport CT. Burial will be privately at Willowbrook Cemetery, 395 Main Street.

Nutmeg Cremation Service of Stamford directed arrangements.

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