Curtis Johnson

Curtis Johnson passed away early on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2021, in his home in Phoenix, AZ. Curtis was born in Phoenix on June 19, 2005 to his mother Amy Lee Johnson and his father Stephen Chylko. He was taken far too soon and will be missed by all who knew him.

Curtis was a sophomore attending Accelerated Learning Center. He completed his freshman year at Valley Lutheran High School after graduating from eighth grade at Brightmont Academy and attending grade school in the Madison School District.

Curt enjoyed skateboarding, traveling of any kind and meeting new and amazing people. He had that particular “gift of gab” and never met a person he didn’t connect with or walk away from without becoming friends. He had a special kindness and did his best to care for people of all ages that made them feel good to walk away with a lighter step and heart.

Curt enjoyed music more than anything else. He had a natural ear for music and was interested in learning the drums, acoustic, bass and electric guitar. He plunked away at the ukulele, piano and did some vocals. He loved listening to just about any type of music – from Louis Armstrong to Hamilton to the latest rapper – and thrived from his lessons at Kirk’s Studio with his beloved instructor Max. Kirk talked about Curtis’ large, infectious spirit and soul.

Curtis had a special bond with his Grandpa who took him to school and activities, guided him through Cub Scouts, listened to all kinds of music in the car with his friends and loved him unconditionally. Curtis was kind of an old soul who connected with adults as well as his peers. He traveled to London and Paris with his grandparents and was thoroughly enchanted with the people he met and the adventure of experiencing something new and different. Last year he visited Maui and sought out the local kids and shopkeepers to hang out with. He had a great time every year at Mission Beach in San Diego with his family and friend’s surfboarding, skateboarding and generally soaking up the sun and looking like a “surfer dude”.

Curtis is survived by his mother Amy Johnson, his father Stephen Chylko and sister Stevie Chylko; grandparents, Todd “Papi” and Tracee “Granny” Curtis and grandmother Beverly Chylko; aunt, Erin “Tia” Johnson; uncles, Matt (Ashley) Johnson, David Johnson, Jeff (Veronica) Sunceri, Joey Sunceri and Bryan “Big-Bry” Chylko; cousins Ian and Caroline Johnson; and many loving great aunts and uncles, cousins and relatives.

Curtis’ friends were very important to him and very much like family: Daniel Baricevic, his skateboard buddy and neighborhood classmate from 2nd grade, Devon and Christopher, riding at the view, Rylie Hayward, dear friend and schoolmate, Trinity Gaskin, brother-from-another-mother Zyhiere Johnson and Donny Dumass and Ryder Thornhill as well as so many others Curtis loved and respected.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to make a donation in Curtis’ name to your favorite music education program or to St. Mary’s Food Bank.

There will be a private ceremony. Arrangements are being entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com