Johnny D. Lively

Johnny D. Lively, age 50, died unexpectedly but peacefully on August 16, 2021 while living at a group home in Amherst. He was the son of John J. Lively of Turners Falls and Judith (Medley) Lively, who predeceased him on March 19, 2012. Johnny’s parents loved him unconditionally and took great pride in their son.

In addition to his father, Johnny is survived by his Aunt Roseanne Emond, Aunt Mary Johnson, Aunt Bonnie Wood Philips, Aunt Judy Lively, and cousins Leslie Campbell, Lindsey Burt, Ramona Mayo and William Gallant. Leslie was also co-guardian for Johnny and worked tirelessly with his father to get things organized so that Johnny could live near family. Johnny also has a large extended family across the United States. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Ernest and Irene (Lanoue) Lively, his uncle Ernest and Arthur (Bud) Lively, and aunts Bethany Eldridge and Irene Michaud.

Johnny was born in Ohio on January 11, 1972 but spent his formative years in North Ft. Myers, Florida. While living in Florida, he and his parents lived with his maternal grandparents, William and Juanita Medley, also deceased. They encouraged his love of country music (Alan Jackson), fishing and Chattanooga, Tennessee. He attended school and graduated in 1994. As a result of living in Florida, his favorite football team was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Johnny also participated in the Special Olympics. He excelled at bowling.

In 1999, after Johnny’s maternal grandparents died, he and his parents moved to Tucson, AZ. He attended a wonderful day program through the East Blake Foundation. He and his mates traveled to California, all over Arizona (Mt. Lemon) and rode horses. Johnny loved to take long rides, especially if it involved going over bridges and railroad tracks. Watching game shows on television was a favorite pastime and he loved Little House on the Prairie and the Dukes of Hazzard. He liked nothing better than a one dollar scratch ticket, especially if he won a buck or two! It was easy to tell when Johnny was happy because he would have a big grin on his face, followed by a great laugh.

He will be lovingly remembered.

Many thanks to Peter, Kristin, and the staff at 32 Chestnut Street in Amherst for their loving care and attention over the last year.

If able, family and friends are invited to a simple memorial service and burial which will be held on Sept. 4 at 2:00pm, at the West Branch Cemetery in Colrain, 123 Foundry Village Rd. Pastor David Levandusky of the Living Waters Assembly of God Church will conduct the service.

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