Carl Johnson

Carl E. Johnson of Greenwich, CT passed away after a courageous battle with heart disease, surrounded by family. Carl was born January 26, 1926 in the Bronx, NY, of Swedish immigrants Algot and Tyra. At 18 he was drafted and served with distinction in WWII as a combat infantry soldier in General George Patton’s Third Army. At 6’ 4” tall he was assigned the heaviest weapon for his squad, a BAR rifle. Carl fought in the so-called “Battle of the Bulge” and notable battles thereafter through VE Day. His Unit received a Presidential Unit Citations for its breach of the enemy’s border across the Saur river, and he received the Bronze Star and other military medals. After the war, he pursued automotive mechanics and construction, ultimately working for the City of New York for 30 years as Foreman of Mechanics. Carl met his wife to be, Lillian Johnson, of Greenwich, and they married in 1960. At nights and on weekends, Carl built - with his own hands - the Glenville house in which he and Lillian would raise their four children: Linda, Carl Jr., Susan, and Alan. In 1973, Carl rescued members of the Gibson family from their burning home following a gas explosion, for which he received a letter and Commendation from President Richard Nixon. In 2002, he was honored by Congressman Christopher Shays, again for his service of country in WWII. Carl remained a lifetime member of Manhem Club, a Scandinavian beach club in the Bronx, where he continued both his Swedish and service traditions. He was always, and ever remained, the devoted partner of Lillian for 55 years.

Carl was predeceased by his daughter Linda. He is survived by Lillian, his children Carl(Bernadette Johnson), Susan(Tom Koch) , and Alan, his grandchildren Kristopher, Stephanie, William, Hunter, Tyra, and Carl Jr,a brother Gustave A. Johnson of Massepequa, NY. nephew Kenneth Johnson of Wayne NJ and niece Lynn Johnson of Massapequa, NY .

Carl’s family wishes to thank Greenwich Hospital, doctors Delvecchio, Loria, Song, Lodato, and Colletti. His hospital nurses Nadia and Sally and staff too numerous to name but too important to ever forget.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday April 13, 2016 at 7PM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 761 King Street, Rye Brook, NY 10573. Family and friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 4PM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either:St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 761 King Street, Rye Brook, NY 10573, Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, 1818 Library Street, Suite 500 Reston, VA 20190 or, a charity of your choice