Obituary
Aaron Matthew Johnson of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, April 23, 2022. He was 38 years old. Aaron was born November 24, 1983 in Wilmington, Delaware, the son of Allison Minton Whittington of New Smyrna Beach, FL and Clarence “Chuck” Johnson of Middletown, Delaware. Aaron attended the Independence School, Newark, Delaware and graduated in 2002 from Salesianum High School, Wilmington, Delaware. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Delaware in Newark.
Aaron was a favorite bartender at the Halfwall Brewery in New Smyrna Beach, where you’d often find him mixing his specialty cocktails, such as his egg white whiskey sours. He had a way of making everyone feel special. Whether it was a close friend or a stranger, he took time to listen, share a kind word, or make people laugh with his jokes and fun facts. Many referred to him as a “Walking Google.”
Aaron loved music, especially playing his guitar and songwriting. He had a lifetime passion for photography and art. He was a creative visionary. Aaron always saw the best in others and in the world and acted selflessly and generously to make his vision a reality. He channeled all of his self-taught knowledge and inspiration into wholly original art and music that reflected his unique perspective.
From the time he was four years old, Aaron had an interest in martial arts, which he studied for many years, even teaching karate to inner-city children in Philadelphia. He was fluent in Arabic and German and proficient in several other languages. Aaron was always interested in learning new things. He found hidden magic in mundane, everyday tasks and never missed an opportunity to have an adventure.
Aaron is survived by his beloved mom, Allison Whittington, with whom he shared a very special bond, and his stepdad, Ben Whittington; his father, Chuck Johnson; his aunt, Mary Anne Deverson; his cousin, Claire Deverson; his stepsister, Stephanie Judy (DJ); his stepbrother, Benny Whittington (Peyton); his treasured girlfriend, Jac Cichocki and their cherished cats, “One” and “Two.”
He was predeceased by his grandparents, Arnold and Mary Minton, and Clarence and Helen Johnson.
Aaron loved fiercely and deeply and leaves behind many broken hearts.
Visitation and service will be held on Tuesday, May 3, from 11:00 to 1:00 at Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home, 1 North Causeway, New Smyrna Beach, FL.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Aaron’s name to Southeast Volusia Humane Society, 1200 South Glencoe Road, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168. https://sevhumanesociety.org
Service
1 N Causeway
Visitation
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1 N Causeway
You will never be forgotten by Stephen and I.
Rebecca Spanogle
Best Best Friends. Allison your Aaron and my Jeremiah Forever Best Friends.
missed by all who knew you. RIP
The sudden death of your son leaves me heartbroken and with such grief. There are no words that I can say except that I am so very sorry for your loss. As a mother, there is nothing I can do except to pray to God to ease your pain. My prayers are going out to you and your family.
My deepest sympathy,
Your friend,
Brenda
I remember you telling me that you really appreciated that I was the only one that didn't give you a hard time about it taking longer to close up. Truth was I was a slow closer too and I appreciated not being the only one there when locking up... You will be missed sorely.
Wherever you are, I hope you're at peace and I hope your family finds their peace soon
This beautiful picture says it all!
Behind the bar at Half Wall won’t ever feel the same without him. Rest easy A-Aron. We love you.
Aaron hard at work last week. His dedication and devotion to the job was outstanding. My heart goes out to his mom and stepdad Allison and Ben. There are no words just know you are loved.
I just saw him and he was working so hard. He was an an amazing bartender. I took this picture just to capture his spirit and dedication to his job. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Aaron. ❤️