Fred Johansson, of Arlington, formerly of Charlestown and Amherst, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Monday, August 3, 2015 at Massachusetts General Hospital at the age of 69.

Fred was born on May 23, 1946 in Leominster, one of three children of Dorothy and the late Warren Johansson. He was raised in Amherst, graduating from Amherst Regional High School before earning his degree at Massachusetts College of Art and continuing his studies at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. He owned his own antique furniture restoration business in Charlestown and worked in the finest shops and on the finest pieces in Boston. A railroad buff, he also thoroughly enjoyed his time working on the commuter rail.

He moved to Arlington after meeting the love of his life Gael Keefe on May 1, 1994. Their largest enjoyment was simply being with each other, whether it was swimming in Florida, staying up late watching movies, going to Nahant Beach, listening to music, dancing and socializing, or shopping at Costco.

He loved fixing things, drawing, following the Red Sox, drinking anything with caffeine, having a pet cat, forecasting the weather, laughing, and helping people.

Fred was a cherished father to William Keefe and his wife Jennifer of Melrose, Robert Keefe and his wife Melissa of Plymouth and Colleen Keefe of Charlestown. Fred was a devoted Papa of Abby, Tommy, Charlie, Brendan and Sebastian, and together with Gael, loved spending time with, and entertaining, the grandchildren. He was the son of Dorothy and the late Warren Johansson and brother of Peter Johansson and Sally Berglund both of Wisconsin.

Fred showed tremendous faith, strength and courage in the last year as he faced the challenges of a terrible cancer. Shortly after his diagnosis, he converted to Catholicism through the guidance of Father Joe Quinn and the Franciscans at St. Anthony’s Shrine and his devotion, particularly to Mary and Our Lady of Lourdes carried him through difficult times. He always remained optimistic and determined and stood tall to the end. He and his family were grateful for the wonderful care he received and the great kindness showed by all at Massachusetts General Hospital, particularly Dr. Janet Murphy, Dr. Karen O’Brien, and the nurses of White 8 and Lunder 9.

The funeral is from the Keefe Funeral Home, 5 Chestnut St., Rt.60 (adjacent to St. Agnes Church) ARLINGTON on Saturday at 10 am. Funeral Mass in St. Barbara’s Church, 138 Cambridge Road, Woburn at 11 am. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Friday 5-8 pm. Burial in Holy Cross, Malden. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Anthony’s Shrine, 100 Arch St., Boston, MA 02110. For obituary, directions or to send a condolence visit www.keefefuneralhome.com