Steven Johnson, who served in multiple roles on campus over a nearly 20-year span, died unexpectedly on December 1.Johnson worked first for UHart as a public safety officer beginning in 2002; he most recently served as a locksmith in facilities. He was a familiar face on campus over the past two decades.
“Steve started as an officer with our department and then went on to obtain the rank of corporal and then acting sergeant before leaving in March 2015 to move south,” remembers Michael Kaselouskas, current chief of public safety. After spending two years in Florida working for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Johnson returned to UHart in 2017 and changed careers, becoming a certified locksmith as a valued member of the facilities team.
“Steve was the type of person who cared deeply for the University and everyone in it,” remembers colleague and close friend Fig Ramirez, a locksmith in facilities. “He would see a bottle in a parking lot and go out of his way to pick it up and put it in the trash. He didn't want anyone to get hurt from broken glass or a motorist to get tire damage.
“He would hold the door open for anyone, even if they were still miles away from a building. And, he thought nothing of it if he didn't get a thank you. He was just a genuine, caring soul who would go out of his way for anyone.”
Kaselouskas and Ramirez both shared that Johnson had a love for hockey and the team he played for. In fact, Ramirez spoke with Johnson for the final time on Dec. 1 after work—before the latter was scheduled to take the ice with his team for a playoff game that night.
“He was very excited about a victory,” Ramirez remembers. “He was also going to try to score his 400th career goal that night. I told him good luck with the game and see you Monday. It was not meant to be. God had other plans for him.”
A public memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, December 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Plainville Indoor Sports Arena, 161 Woodford Avenue in Plainville, Connecticut.