Paul was born in Portland, Maine on March 20, 1939, to Maurice Johnson and Marguerite Caruso and attended Portland Schools. After graduating he enlisted in the Air Force and served in Libya. It was there that he met his best friend, Ben Smith. They joked that they had to go half-way around the world to meet each other and they were both from Maine. They remained best friends until Ben’s death in the fall of 2024. Paul remained dear friends with Ben’s wife Tina for his remaining days.
Paul was introduced to his wife Cynthia by his father who worked with her. They were married on August 22, 1964, and raised two sons, Mark and Jason, in the North Deering area of Portland. He was proud to coach his sons’ Farm League baseball teams. Paul worked as a regional manager in the hospitality business for many years, retiring a bit early to care for his wife with with MS. He had an amazing work ethic and was dedicated to his family. He lovingly cared for his wife for 20 years until she died in 2018. His sons’ friends loved to refer to him as “Mr. J” and looked up to him like a father. He will be especially missed by Roy Lee and Amy Mihill who continued their relationships with him long after high school ended and considered him family. Paul will be remembered for his love of his wife and family, and his grandson Joey Johnson.
Paul is predeceased by his wife of 54 years Cynthia A. Johnson, his parents Maurice Johnson and Marguerite Caruso, and his brother Richard Johnson. He is survived by his son Mark Johnson, Mark’s wife Jennie Johnson, and Grandson Joey Johnson of Gray, Maine, his son Jason Johnson of Scranton, Pennsylvania, his sister Barbara Janning and husband George Janning of Texas, sister Debbie Brannen McGee and her late husband Marvin McGee of Texas, many cousins in the Texas and Bangor area, and his beloved dog Moses who is being cared for by a family friend.
A graveside burial will be held at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in South Portland, Maine at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society.
