TWU Mourns Bus Operator Sam Johnson, 97

OCTOBER 11 -- The Union regrets to inform our members of the passing of veteran Bus Operator Sam Johnson, 97, who died last weekend. Brother Johnson memorably celebrated his 97th birthday with us at his old depot at 129th Street and Amsterdam Avenue in Harlem earlier this year on May 2. Sam's daughter-in-law Eartha Johnson reached out to the TWU Local 100 Retirees Association in February, writing about her father-in-law's wonderful memories operating his bus. "He shared his wish with me that he would like to sit behind the wheel of a bus again."

Local 100 and the Retirees Association made it happen, welcoming Sam back to his old depot with balloons and a big crowd of over 100 well-wishers from Transit, including Local 100 President Richard Davis and MaBSTOA VP Donald Yates. He climbed from his walker up the steps of the bus and sat in the operator's seat. "I feel like a king," he said. "I always loved to drive. Nothing bothered me -- not snow, not rain, not traffic -- nothing." His great grand children gathered around him.

Born in 1926, Sam joined MaBSTOA as a Bus Operator on May 25, 1964. "It was one of the happiest days of my life," he recalled. He walked the picket line outside Amsterdam Depot during the 1966 and 1980 citywide transit strikes, retiring in 1985. He called the celebration at 129th Street "the highlight of my life, feeling what it was like to be back at work, and be surrounded by so many family members."

Sam's funeral service will take place on Tuesday, October 17th, at 10AM at the J. Foster Phillips Funeral Home at 179-24 Linden Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11434. Interment will follow at Pinelawn on Long Island. All members are invited to attend to pay their respects.