Jeffrey "Jeff" Johnson
Jeffrey "Jeff" Johnson, age 66, passed away on December 28, 2025, in Chesterland, Ohio. Jeff was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and lived a life of devotion to his family. He grew up with his loving parents Charlotte and J.D. along with four siblings, Judy, Harry, Rita, and Cindy. They were a close knit family who shared many wonderful memories.
Jeff graduated from Euclid High in 1977, where he met his wife Loretta Berardinelli. They met on a double date, each dating the opposite person but soon got together. Many of you may remember Ford Mullinax off Euclid Avenue and Spitzer in Cleveland, where Jeff worked for years in sales and oversaw operations with his father, J.D. Smith. He was the jack of all trades and could fix pretty much anything. Jeff was the type of person to go out of his way to help his family and friends with whatever they needed. If you ever enjoyed the Cleveland Museum of Art, you can thank our dad. He helped maintain the facilities and kept the place running quite literally, as a maintenance man, doing the unseen dirty work.
Being a kid of the 60's and 70's, Jeff loved rock music and classic cars. He always wanted to know when he could take the kids for a sleepover and was so excited to have bonfires and ride ATVs in the backyard with his grandkids. The kids kept him young and there was never a time he was with them where he wasn’t down on the floor playing and being a big kid himself. He was a fanatic about his lawn and he loved watching Cleveland teams, especially the Browns, never missing a game with his son Jason. He loved being with his wife, kids, and grandchildren. Jeff was an avid reader, gardener, and held many certifications, including Boiler Operator, Housing Inspector, and Site Manager.
Jeff had a passion for many things, but above all, his family. He coached all three of his kids softball and baseball teams and always spent time practicing and training. Our dad would drive out to Archbishop Hoban in Akron to watch us play after a long day of working on the east side. That was just the type of guy he was. Jeff was a known jokester and story teller, if you had a few minutes, he could really get a few words in.
He identified as a Christian and sent all three children to Catholic school in the hopes that they would keep their faith and have a better chance of being successful.
Jeff is survived by his beloved wife Loretta; his sisters Judy Kosmerl and Rita Kelly, daughters Jessica (Keith Baron), Stephanie (Domenic Oriani); and son Jason (Karina), his five precious grandkids; Charlie, Ben, Vinny, Viviana, and Emilia and many nieces, nephews.
He now joins his parents J.D. and Charlotte; sister Cindy; brother Harry; nephew Jimmy; and many more loved ones we miss dearly. The personality, kindness, and loyalty he provided will never be forgotten for a moment. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We're going to miss you more than you’ll ever know, Dad.
My dad worked very hard throughout the years, and my mom has been working at Maxims since she was 18 years old. Because his death was unexpected, certain things were unfortunately not locked down financially. With all of the medical costs, household bills, and cost of living as a widow, we ask in lieu of flowers, to donate in any way you can to support Loretta as she navigates this grief. We are going to take care of her and make sure she has all that she needs but with the constant and appreciated support of so many asking how they can help, this would be it. Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this incredibly difficult time.
In Loving Memory of Jeff, please donate here in his memory for Loretta: