Leslie L. Johnson

Leslie L. Johnson, 89, of Norwich, passed away peacefully at home on November 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters. Born on April 18, 1936, in Bedworth, England, to Evelyn and Richard Johnson, Les lived a life full of passion, dedication, and family. He married Josephine “Jill” Johnson on September 7, 1957, and together they had three children: Wendy (stillborn), Karen, and Hayley.

Les excelled in athletics from an early age, becoming a schoolboy boxing champion and even trying out for the Chelsea Football Team. His plans were interrupted when he was called to serve two years in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. After completing his military service, Les discovered his lifelong passion for rugby, playing until the age of 50. He later coached at Connecticut College and the United States Coast Guard Academy and was deeply involved with the Thames Valley Rugby Club. After retiring from rugby, Les embraced golf, spending most days at Norwich Golf Course and tending to his garden.

Les began his career with the Rubber Molding Division of Dunlop in England. In 1981, he moved his family to the United States after being recruited by Orcomatic, an American firm, as Superintendent of Operations in Connecticut.

Les is survived by his devoted wife, Jill Johnson; daughter Karen Musa and her husband, Robert, and their two children, Nicolas and Tony; and daughter Hayley Wagner and her fiancé, Dean Hunniford, and her two children, Jessica and Jake. He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Richard Johnson, and his brothers, Ernie and Ken.

His favorite expression was “watch how you go!” Watch how you go Les, we love you.

Funeral services will be held at Church and Allen Funeral Home on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Norwich.