Jerome “Jerry” Johnson, a 1936 graduate of the DePaul University College of Law, never forgot the impact that attending the College of Law during the Great Depression had on his life. When he thought he might have to derail his legal education during his second year of study because his family could no longer afford tuition, the College of Law offered him a dean’s scholarship that allowed him to fulfill his dream of becoming a lawyer. Johnson was a Chicago native and longtime resident of Rockland County, N.Y. He maintained a close connection to the College of Law for more than 70 years. Johnson, who died July 18 in New York, left a legacy that helps DePaul law students in financial need.

“Jerry wanted to offer a resource to law students at DePaul in need of financial assistance, so he established a scholarship in 1985 and named it for his wife, Lee,” said Glen Weissenberger, dean of the College of Law. “Since its establishment, the Lee Saffron Johnson Scholarship has helped needy students in much the same way that the dean’s scholarship helped Jerry when he faced financial difficulties.”

Born in Chicago on July 3, 1912, Johnson served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy during World War II. In 1957 he moved his family to Rockland County, were he practiced law well into his 90s and became extensively involved in community service along with his wife.

Johnson served as a trustee of Nyack Hospital in Nyack, N.Y., for more than 20 years, six of them as president of the board. He also served on the board and as president of the Rockland Country Day School. In 1971, he was elected president of the Rockland County Bar Association and served on its Character and Fitness Committee for many years. In 2004, the College of Law recognized Johnson’s longstanding commitment and dedication to helping DePaul law students by awarding him its Outstanding Service Award, which honors extraordinary service to the law school by alumni.

Johnson is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lee; his children Jill Tanz of Chicago and Ron Johnson of Suffern, N.Y.; their spouses Robert Tanz, M.D., and Sue-Ellen Johnson; granddaughter Michelle Chapin, M.D., of Denver, Colo., her husband Thomas and their children Mia, and Eli,; granddaughter Emy Zener of New York, N.Y., her husband Max and their daughter Lucy; and grandchildren Alex Tanz and Rachel Tanz.

Funeral services for Johnson were held July 20 in Upper Nyack, N.Y. The family has asked that donations in memory of Johnson be made to the Nyack Hospital in New York or to the DePaul University College of Law.