Joseph O. Johnson, 86, periodontist

Joseph O. Johnson, 86, a former Philadelphia periodontist, died of complications from a fall Saturday, Aug. 21, at Inova Loudoun Hospital in Leesburg, Va., near the retirement home in Lansdowne, Va., where he lived.

A specialist in gum diseases, Dr. Johnson maintained his office at 55th and Spruce Streets in West Philadelphia from 1960 to 2000.

From 1970 to 1977 he commuted to an alma mater, Meharry Medical College in Nashville, to develop a program in his specialty, said a daughter, Joy Momon.

"He would go down on Mondays, come back on Thursdays, and work in his office Thursdays and Fridays," she said.

In 1973, Meharry named Dr. Johnson its dental instructor of the year.

Born in Philadelphia, Dr. Johnson graduated in 1941 from Central High School, where he was on the track and cross-country teams.

From 1943 to 1946, he served in the Marine Corps, stationed in Guam. He returned to Philadelphia to work as a civilian for the Army Signal Corps.

Dr. Johnson earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1952 and his dental degree from Meharry in 1956.

While practicing as a dentist in West Philadelphia, his daughter said, he commuted to Boston and earned his degree in periodontology from Boston University in 1965.

In 2009, she said, he joined Heritage Fellowship Church in Herndon, Va.

In addition to his daughter, he is survived by another daughter, Penelope Brown, and four grandchildren.

Dr. Johnson was predeceased by his former wife, Madie. His second wife, Sally, died in 1994.

A viewing was set for 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 27, at Holy Trinity Baptist Church, 1818 Bainbridge St., before an 11 a.m. funeral there. Burial will be in Edgewood Memorial Park, Glen Mills.