Brendan Colin Johnson, 45

Gunnery Sgt. Brendan Colin Johnson, 45, died tragically on Monday, July 10, 2017, when he and 15 of his fellow servicemen were killed in an aircraft accident in Mississippi.

Brendan was born in Burlington, Vermont, on Aug.19, 1971.

In 1994, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and began a 23 year-long military career. Brendan had a distinguished service record and was a veteran of Operating Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the Global War on Terrorism. He was the recipient of several honors and recognitions, including the Air Medal with strike/flight award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal 3rd award, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation 2nd award, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal 4th awards, Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal 3rd award, National Defense Service Medal 2nd award, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal 3rd award, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary & Service Medals, Armed Forces Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon 2nd award, Armed Forces Reserve Medal 2nd award, a Certificate of Commendation, five Letters of Appreciation and was designated to wear the Marine Corps Combat Aircrew Insignia. He achieved the rank of gunnery sergeant and served as a KC-130 crew master.

Throughout his lifetime, Brendan had resided in Vermont, Fort Worth, Texas, New Windsor, New York, and Fishkill, New York. He enjoyed many hobbies such as art, travel, and food and was an avid Seattle Seahawks fan. More than anything else, he cherished spending time with his wife, family, friends and fellow Marines.

On Jan. 26, 2002, he married Anna M. Tousey in Fort Worth.

Mrs. Johnson survives at home in Fishkill. Additional survivors include his parents, Kevin and Suzanne (LeBlanc) Johnson of Burlington; his brother, Cullen Johnson of Essex Junction, Vermont; his father-in-law, David Tousey, wife Terry, of Marion, Montana; his mother-in-law, Sharon Flint, married to Jim of Tukwila, Washington; his brother-in-law, Ben Tousey, of Suffern, New York; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, godchildren, bonus family and other relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Joseph and Helaine Johnson, and Valerien and Theresa LeBlanc.

Calling hours will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. The family will celebrate Brendan’s life during a private memorial service.

Arrangements are under the direction of McHoul Funeral Home. For online tributes, you can visit his Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.