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
I was one of his customers and found Aaron as someone that always had something important to say. It really did not matter what the topic was… just a casual conversation was always meaningful. Aaron listened and always had a complementary reply.
My wife and I made Half Wall a habit and it was always a bummer if Aaron wasn’t there or if the bar was too full. We never had an evening with Aaron that wasn’t the best. The best part was watching Aaron serve others. He had no favorites. Everyone was special.
I loved coming in and setting down and wait for him to ask what I wanted. My favorite answer was “whatever your serving”…. He never disappointed. He would dream up all kinds of variations and now have experienced many things I would have never tried otherwise. I liked them all.
I travel occasionally and shared those experiences with Aaron. He loved hearing about things I saw and would share parallel perspectives that made my travels seem significant. We simply had best time and Aaron made Half Wall my favorite.
I am not sure why Aaron has been taken from us. I just know I am a lucky guy to have known him.
We are all now challenged to see the good in others that Aaron saw in each of us regardless if it was deserved or not.
All our love,
Jane and Lyle Eskew