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