Marcus R. Johnson – Jefferson Hills
Marcus R. Johnson, 57, of Jefferson Hills, passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2021, at Jefferson Hospital. Born on July 1, 1963 in McKeesport, he was the only son of the late Howard Johnson Jr. and Bernice Kinds Johnson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Camille Lawrence; and a brother, Stanley Kinds. Marcus had nine siblings, all of whom he loved dearly. He attended Ringgold High School, where he was a track legend, and still holds some of the current high school track records. He attended California University of Pennsylvania. From there, Marcus proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He specialized in vehicle mechanics for 12 years and achieved the rank of staff sergeant. During his time of service, Marcus received the Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Achievement Medal with one device, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with two devices, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with one device, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two devices, along with several other awards and medals for his honorable service. Marcus joined the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC), SCI Greene Facility in 1999, and remained there for 23 years. He was a lieutenant within the DOC and became an accomplished instructor in first aid, CPR, professionalism and suicide prevention. Already an instructor at SCI Greene and Waynesburg County Jail, he was chosen to be the adjunct instructor for the opening of SCI Fayette. He worked with the special-needs inmates and volunteered to open the first Security Threat Group Management Unit. He was honored to be a member of the hostage negotiation team and was often called upon to defuse crisis situations. From 2000-2015, Marcus was a referee with the Washington Green County Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) Basketball Chapter, where he refereed games throughout the entire league. From 2004-2017, he was an assistant coach for the Elizabeth Forward track team, where he would impact the lives of hundreds of young athletes. With his skill and love for the sport, Marcus would impart life skills such as kindness, integrity and wisdom. He assisted many students in the successful pursuit of numerous college scholarship awards. Marcus continued mentoring students until his death. On July 1, 2017, Marcus was united in marriage with his childhood sweetheart, Renae Crutchfield. Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife, Renae; daughter, Brittany (Suleiman); stepsons, Rico (Stefany) and Dylan; six sisters, Cheryl, Melissa, Katrina, Sabrina, Kimberly and Carol; brother, Gary; a host of brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; a grandchild; and many aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements have been entrusted to ANTHONY L. MASSAFRA FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICE INC., 40 Second St. Ext., Carroll Township/Donora, PA 15033, 724-379-6900, where the family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 20, 2021. Family and friends are invited to gather from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, May 21, 2021, at New Birth Ministries, 406 Grant Ave., Duquesne, PA 15110, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Private interment with full military honors accorded by the Mon Valley Honor Guard and Firing Squad will follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marcus’ honor to My Brother’s Keeper Outreach Center, www.mybkoutreach.org. To share a condolence, please visit www.massafrafuneralhome.com.
