Mark E. Johnson

GREAT VALLEY — Mark E. Johnson, 85, of Great Valley, died Monday morning (March 23, 2026) at Olean General Hospital.

Born March 15, 1941, in Olean, he was the son of the late Ernest G. and Pearl M. Lucky Johnson and his stepfather, Perry Tillow.

He attended Olean High School.

He is a veteran of the United States Army, stationed in Germany as an armor crew member.

Mark had been self-employed as an escort driver with M & T Pilot Cars of Great Valley for 35 years, retiring in 2022. He had previously been employed as a truck driver with several area companies.

He was a former member of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296. He enjoyed spending time with family, the outdoors, boating, fishing, traveling and was an avid Buffalo Bills fan. He enjoyed hanging out with his cat, Oliver.

Surviving are three daughters, Debra Kenneson of Olean, Nadine (Darren) North of Charleston, S.C., and Denise (Chris) Valvo of Conewango Valley; a son, Raymond “Chip” Kenneson of Buffalo; eight grandchildren, Haley, Harley, Holley, Christine, Zachary, James, Melissa and Brooks; four great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Ruth Johnson of Jamestown; a special cousin, Ethel; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Renee Louise Johnson; a son, Steve Kenneson; and two brothers, Norman Johnson and Richard Johnson.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday (March 27, 2026) in the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca, with Rev. Michael Lonto officiating.

Full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.