Laurence Dean Johnson, Jr.
Laurence Dean Johnson, Jr. (a.k.a., “Dean”) of Westfield, New Jersey, passed away peacefully with his daughter by his side on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the age of 92, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Born on August 12, 1932, “Dean” was a lifelong resident of New Jersey, having lived in Point Pleasant, Princeton, and Westfield, where he ultimately settled and started his career and family.
Dean was married to Barbara Lancaster Johnson for 49 years and had two children, Laurance Dean Johnson III and Lauran “Laurie” Mead Johnson-Hunt. Dean started his real estate and insurance business in 1952 with his mother, Louise B. Johnson, where they established the Johnson Agency Inc., in Westfield, NJ. Dean was a graduate of The Pingry School, Babson College (where he received his Bachelor of Science in Business), and later an MBA from Rutgers University.
Dean always had an upbeat personality and enjoyed his family life immensely; always a fan of the Jersey shore, Dean and his family spent many summer vacations in Point Pleasant, NJ, sunning, swimming, and fishing. Moreover, many holidays were spent in West Virginia with his in-laws and extended family. Always with a smile on his face, he enjoyed being in the middle of the action and had a great “gift of gab.” Dean treasured his family and friends and was always willing to lend a hand when someone needed it. Never a complainer, he was a great source of encouragement to his family and friends during challenging times. Dean was predeceased by his wife (Barbara Lancaster Johnson) and her parents Virginia and Mead Lancaster, his son (Laurance Dean Johnson III), and his parents (Louise B. Johnson and Laurance Dean Johnson Sr). He is survived by his daughter and son- in- law (Lauran Johnson-Hunt and Steven C. Hunt, respectively), his sister (Diane Haag), and extended family in West Virginia.
Dean spent the last few years of his life with his daughter and son-in-law in California due to his prolonged illness; however, he always maintained an upbeat attitude throughout his health struggles. Dean’s long life was filled with love, family, ambition, and laughter. He will truly be missed.
