Thomas Warner Johnson, 73, of Dover, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home on August 16, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.
Born on September 11, 1951, in Boston, Tom was the son of the late Thomas L. Johnson, Jr., and Frances Warner Johnson. He was raised in Wellesley and graduated from Wellesley High School in 1969. He then completed a postgraduate year at Mount Hermon (now Northfield Mount Hermon) before enrolling at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1974. During this time, he also pursued studies in architecture at nearby Smith College. His academic journey continued at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, where he studied commercial space planning, before returning to UMass Amherst to complete a Master of Science in Interior Design in 1977.
Tom dedicated more than four decades to the commercial real estate industry. He began his career as a commercial space planner with several prominent Boston architectural firms, including Shepley Bulfinch. He later served as a project manager for Hines Industrial, part of Gerald D. Hines Interests. Then, for 35 years, Tom worked at Hammond Commercial (now IRB Real Estate), specializing in office leasing and commercial sales in Cambridge and the Greater Boston area. He was repeatedly recognized for excellence by the Greater Boston Real Estate Board’s commercial division.
In 1996, Tom married Amelie Gardella, and together they built a life in Dover, where they raised their two children, Alexander (Gus) and Olivia. He was a devoted husband and father, and an engaged member of his community. He served for many years on the Dover Historical Commission and supported various local environmental causes in both Dover and Falmouth, where the family spent summers.
Tom was known to be a passionate outdoorsman and sportsman. He was a longtime member of the Dedham Country and Polo Club, where he enjoyed golf and earned multiple titles as a club champion trap shooter. In Falmouth, Tom loved boating, fishing, and watching sunsets at the Quamquissett Beach Club, and was also an active member of the Quissett Yacht Club.
Tom will also be remembered for his remarkable creativity and craftsmanship. A gifted designer, painter, and woodworker, he poured his talents into building custom furniture, painting scenic landscapes, crafting intricate half-hull boat models, and more. Tom’s work can be found all over the homes of countless friends and family members. Beyond his artistic gifts, Tom was optimistic, warm, generous, and unwaveringly supportive of others. He was a wise and steady presence—always ready with practical advice or a helping hand.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Amelie G. Johnson, and their two children, Alexander A. Johnson and Olivia Y. Johnson, both of Boston. He also leaves behind his sisters, Jorie C. Johnson of Kyoto and Frances Y. J. Wheeler of Boxford; his brother Alex Johnson and sister-in-law Lori A. K. Johnson of Dover; and his nephew and niece, Alexander W. Johnson and Caroline F. A. Johnson. His parents preceded him in death.
Tom’s legacy lives on through the many lives he touched as a loving father, husband, brother, friend, and trusted colleague.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 258 Concord St, Newton Lower Falls, MA 02462. A reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Thomas W. Johnson to the Melanoma Research Fund at Massachusetts General Hospital, either online at https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/melanoma or by check mailed to Massachusetts General Hospital, Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114.
Donations may also be made in Tom’s name to The Quissett Harbor Preservation Trust, online at https://qhpt.org/giving.htm.