Paul M. Johnson

STERLING – Paul M. Johnson, age 83, passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus in Worcester. Paul is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia (Hannam) Johnson; two sons, Michael J. Johnson and his wife, Anne of Swampscott and Paul D. Johnson and his wife, Kitty of Littleton CO; three grandchildren, Michael P. and Daniel A. Johnson of Swampscott, and Alyssa M. Johnson of Littleton, CO; two cousins, the Very Rev. William Joy of Boston, and Mrs. Grace Marie Reynolds of Hingham. He was predeceased by his brother-in-law Gordon Hannam and survived by brothers-in-law Kenneth and David Hannam and sister-in-law, Linda (Hannam) Smith, and their respective spouses Elaine, Patti, Louise and Rick, several nieces, and nephews.

Paul was born and spent his childhood in Hyde Park, Boston the son of the late Martin and Mary (Joy) Johnson. He graduated from the Boston Latin School in 1957 where he was a celebrated running back and Co-Captain of the Latin football team. Paul was dubbed “Slash” Johnson by the Boston Globe in its frequent articles highlighting his play and he was inducted into the Boston Latin Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992. Paul went on to graduate from Boston College in 1961 with a BA in History. After college, he served active duty as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army as an Intelligence Officer from 1961 to 1964 and as a reservist through 1968. Thereafter, Paul worked for Liberty Mutual Insurance in various capacities for 36 years until retirement. He was a member and former Chairperson of the Worcester Arbitration Committee.

Paul will be remembered by all who knew him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend. He and his beloved wife, Pat, resided in Sterling for nearly the entire 55 years of their marriage. He was an active supporter of Sterling youth sports coaching both soccer and baseball for his sons’ teams. He was one of the first coaches of Sterling Youth Soccer and in its early years could often be seen mowing the town soccer fields. An avid traveler, Paul always had his next journey planned and passed that love of travel to his children and grandchildren. In later years, he relished supporting his grandchildren at their soccer, hockey, dance recitals or any family event. Paul enjoyed nothing more in life than being with his wife, children, and cherished grandchildren.

Calling hours will be from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Wednesday, February 23rd, at the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Rd., Sterling. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 am on Thursday, February 24th, at St. Richards of Chichester Catholic Church, 4 Bridge St., Sterling, MA. Burial with military honors will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery, 162 Webster St., Worcester. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit his tribute wall.