Longtime friend remembers life of Upper Arlington Catholic priest hit by teen driver – WSYX

Longtime friend remembers life of Upper Arlington Catholic priest hit by teen driver  WSYX

A beloved Upper Arlington Catholic Priest’s life is now cut short. Police said 77-year-old Monsignor John Johnson at St. Agatha Church was hit by a teen driver while crossing Tremont Road during his morning walk on Tuesday. He died the next day from his injuries. The Catholic community and his longtime friends are remembering the man who they say touched everyone who knew him. “He was always like 'I'm Father John.' He is a very humble man, a very kind man, not condemning at all and very intellectual. He is a canon lawyer and there are not too many of those around. They are very smart guys,” said Carol Gillespie.

Carol Gillespie was Father John's dear friend for around three decades. She said they have been through some of life’s biggest moments together like her wedding, family passings, and often just sitting down for dinner. “Father John did our marriage vows, blessed our wedding and our marriage. We have that gift that he gave us and he was so happy for us because when we would go to dinner, I'd always give him a hug and I'd just look at him say, “Father John, I am so blessed and I am so happy,” said Gillespie. She said Father John was also a teacher at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus