Dale F. Johnson, 61, of Hillsborough, NJ, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026.  Born on April 21, 1964, in Somerville, NJ, Dale was the son of his late parents, Beth Anne (née Benedict) and Francis “Frank” Johnson.

Dale was raised in Hillsborough Township and graduated from Hillsborough High School in 1982. He often spoke with pride about playing on the school’s state championship football team—an experience that stayed close to his heart throughout his life. He went on to attend Elon College in North Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts.

Following college, Dale began a distinguished career in law enforcement. He started as a corrections officer at the Somerset County Jail before transferring to the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office as a Sheriff’s Officer, after graduating from the Somerset County Police Academy. He later joined the Raritan Borough Police Department, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant. Dale served the Raritan community with honor, dedication, and pride, retiring in 2017 after 25 years of service. He was also a proud life member of Raritan PBA Local 82.

While Hillsborough was his home, Dale’s true happy place was the family shore house in Beach Haven West. There, he spent countless days crabbing, clamming, and boating, and made lasting friendships at the sandbar. Summers were especially meaningful to him, filled with laughter, good company, and time on the water.

Dale was a talented cook who loved preparing and sharing meals with family and friends. He had a lifelong passion for football, which extended beyond playing into coaching his son’s youth teams over the years. He also enjoyed trips to Atlantic City, where he could often be found at the blackjack tables or on the dance floor at B Street Band concerts. Dale was a longtime fan of Bruce Springsteen and attended several of his concerts over the years with friends and family, memories he truly cherished. Known for his sense of humor, Dale had a way of making those around him laugh. If you were lucky enough to know him, chances are you got asked about ‘snew’ at least once (and probably fell for it).

Above all, Dale cherished his family. He shared 32 loving years of marriage with his wife, Mary Jane (née Huddock) Johnson, and together they raised their two children, Lauren and Tanner. Dale was a constant presence in his children’s lives, rarely missing a sporting event—whether it was football, wrestling, or cheerleading. Family vacations brought him great joy, especially their trips to Disney World.

Dale also deeply enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews Troy, Chelsea, Brett, Taylor, Paige, and Austin who brought him much happiness over the years.

One of Dale’s greatest recent joys was becoming a grandfather six months ago to Otto, a role he embraced with love and pride.

Dale will be remembered as a kind, generous, and devoted man who touched the lives of many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Jane; his children, Lauren Kashtan (and her husband, Tyler) and Tanner Johnson; his cherished grandson, Otto Kashtan; his sister, Kimberly Everett (and her husband, Brian); his sister-in-law, Terri Freeman; his brother-in-law, Richard Huddock; his mother-in-law, Nicolina Huddock; and his many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Dale was predeceased by his brother, James “Jim” Johnson and his father-in-law, Andrew “Andy” Huddock.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Bongiovi Funeral Home, 416 Bell Avenue, Raritan, NJ (908-725-1887).

Burial will be private.

“Down the shore everything’s alright” ~ Bruce Springsteen