Ernest W. Johansen

Ernest Walter Johansen, (89) of Cumberland, RI went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 21st, 2025.  Ernie was born in Boston, MA March 9, 1936, son of Johanne and Johan Alfred Johansen. He was a first generation American, his parents having emigrated from Norway in the early 1920s, settling in Hyde Park, Mass. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Thomas Alfred, his first wife Sandra Muriel (Morris) and his second wife Constance Ellen (Polanshek).

His is survived by his sister Nancy Sayers of Burlington, NC, his sons Steven and his wife Joanne of Walpole, David of Wrentham and Daniel of Cumberland, RI, Grandchildren including Erika and her husband John McGee great grandchildren Lillian and Phoebe of Wrentham; Hilary and her husband Ryan Silve of West Roxbury, Alice Johansen of Providence, Katy and her husband Joseph O’Malley of N. Attleboro, and an extended family in the US and Norway.

He was a graduate of Hyde Park High School (1953) and attended Wentworth Institute and Lincoln College, majoring in mechanical engineering.  He retired as a lead design engineer in 1998 after almost 40 years with Raytheon Company.  His many accomplishments included designing consoles for air traffic control stations all over the world.

A Korean War veteran, he served with the Army Engineers from 1953 - 1956, spending two and a half years in Europe as a heavy equipment mechanic.  Ernie loved boating and fishing, and in 2006 at age 70 he received his US Coast Guard license as a charter boat Captain.  In his retirement years he fished almost exclusively for striped bass in Boston Harbor and surrounding waters on his boat “Viking Son”.

He was active in the Barbershop Harmony Society for 57 years, singing in a cappella quartets and choruses.  He served as musical director of 3 choruses, President of his chapter, President of the Northeastern District Association of chapters, and member of the International Society’s board of directors.  He was also active in his church choirs.

In addition, Ernie was a model railroader in his retirement years, modeling the Rutland (VT) Railroad in N scale, earning the National Model Railroad Association’s Golden Spike Award for his achievements.  He was a member of the Rutland Railroad Association and the Rutland Railroad Historical Society.

Member of the Covenant Community Church in East Bridgewater and Board of Governors of the East Bridgewater YMCA.

Visiting hours are 3-7 pm Tuesday, 12/30/25 at Alexander F. Thomas and Sons Funeral Home at 45 Common St Walpole.  https://www.walpole.thomasfuneralhomes.com/.  Private service and burial.

In lieu of flowers: contributions in his memory to Harmony Foundation, 110 7th Ave. N., Ste 200, Nashville, TN 37203 or at https://www.harmonyfoundation.org

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