Paul Norman Johansen

Paul N. Johansen passed away peacefully at home on December 29, 2021 at the age of 91, surrounded by his family. A man of honor, intelligence, humor, and compassion, he led a life filled with hard work, curiosity and exploration, lifelong friends, and loving family. Gentle and genial, he was at all times a true gentleman.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, to Norwegian immigrants, Paul was the youngest of five children. Just a year old when his father died, Paul grew up delivering groceries on his bicycle and working in neighborhood shops from a very young age to help bring money into the household. After high school graduation he joined the Navy, serving aboard the U.S.S. Princeton aircraft carrier during the Korean War. A photographer even then, his pictures of life aboard the ship were much sought after by his buddies whose hijinks were a common subject of the photos.

Upon his return from Korea Paul used the G.I. Bill to attend Cornell University where he joined the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, making lifelong friends. In 1956 he graduated from the Cornell School of Industrial Labor Relations. The first in his family to go to college, his mother said that his graduation was one of the proudest moments of her life.

After college Paul began work in labor relations at Esso, working several years in New York before being transferred to the Miami office, where he met and married Joan, the love of his life. Married for 60 years, Paul and Joan had two daughters, Linda and Nancy, and many dogs, who were also treated as their children! After Miami, he and his family were stationed in El Salvador, Colombia, and Venezuela, before returning to Miami and then finally back to New York City. Paul retired from Exxon in 1986.

An avid and accomplished athlete, Paul was a championship bowler and tennis player. He played with the same tennis groups for years, greatly enjoying the competition and camaraderie, and was perennial finalist or winner in his tennis clubs’ championships. He also often partnered with his wife, and in later years daughter Nancy, in mixed doubles leagues and championships.

Paul was a man of few words but infinite kindness and generosity, letting his actions and the twinkle in his eye do the speaking. He valued his friends and treasured his family, and will be missed tremendously by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with his family on his memorial page https://www.forevermissed.com/paul-johansen/about

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cornell University Veterinary Services (CUVS) Cares Patient Assistance Fund, First Congregational Church of Old Greenwich, or a charity of your choice.