Carl H. Johnson

Carl Herbert Johnson, 72, of Jackson, NJ formerly of North Bergen, NJ and Toms River, NJ passed away peacefully on Friday, August 7th, 2020.

Carl was born in Weehawken, NJ and spent his youth in Union City, NJ. He attended Union Hill High School where he was a stand-out athlete and formed many lifelong friendships, including meeting his high school sweetheart and eventual wife of 50 years, Barbara Youmans. He was a proud “Hiller” of the Class of 1965. He earned a half football scholarship to Holy Cross but decided to stay local.

Carl attended Jersey City State College and over time earned his Masters Degree plus 30 credits. He embarked on a career as a teacher and coach in the Union City school district. During his tenure, his professional nature created opportunities for him to move out of the classroom and into administration. He impacted 1000s of lives as a teacher, administrator, coach, colleague and friend.

At the time of his retirement in 2002, Carl was the Secretary to the Board of Education for the Union City School district, a position responsible for non-teaching personnel and finance. A very proud accomplishment for Carl and his colleagues was the combination of district high schools Emerson and Union Hill into Union City High School. The new school resides on the site of the famed Roosevelt stadium where Emerson and Union Hill had one of the longest Thanksgiving Day rivalries in the state. The high school boasts a state of the art rooftop stadium with views of New York City.

Upon retirement Carl relocated from North Bergen to Toms River, NJ where he could relax and enjoy some of the things he enjoyed most in life.

He enjoyed a fine cigar with friends, BBQs at the boat and trips to Atlantic City to try his luck. He loved monthly UNICO dinners and running their super bowl pool. He loved watching the Giants and Yankees and especially bitching about them! He loved all the family pets and the smiles they brought to his face.

But above all what mattered to Carl was family. There is nothing he enjoyed more than his kids and his grandkids! He attended college football games for 9 years straight through blazing heat and snow and rain and traffic, but was always there to watch his sons play. He loved his trips to the Bahamas, he loved boat rides and fishing trips on Cool Change. He cherished holiday visits and every opportunity to be together and he loved watching his grandkids Ryan, Nina and Zach flourish in their activities. He adored his grandkids and never missed an opportunity to slip them a $20 and was generous beyond words.

The one constant in his life from the time he was 16 years old was his high school sweetheart and wife of 50 years Barbara. They were committed and unified and loved each other unconditionally. They were a team and a couple and they took pride in the life they built together. They were proud parents and glowing grandparents.

Carl’s legacy is cemented as a caring thoughtful family man and he will be sorely missed.

Carl was predeceased by his parents Marie Pauline Olivari and Carl Herbert Johnson of Union City, NJ. He is survived by his wife Barbara Johnson, son Christian and wife Susan and grandkids Ryan and Nina of Scotch Plains, NJ and son Craig and wife Nicole and grandchild Zachary of Aberdeen, NJ. He is also survived by sisters Susan Johnson of Toms River, NJ and Lisa Johnson of Lakewood, NJ.

Visitation: Timothy E. Ryan Home For Funerals 995 Fischer Blvd., Toms River, NJ US 08753 Wednesday, August 12th 9am - 12pm Committal will follow at Ocean County Memorial Park and there will be a casual repast at dad’s beloved boat Cool Change following the committal.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the charity or cause of your choice in Carl’s name.

Please dress comfortably and casually if you choose to visit us.

The family is cognizant of the Covid-19 pandemic and will adhere to strict social distancing and face covering protocols for the protection of Barbara and all who choose to attend. Please do not feel obligated to attend the wake. The family appreciates the outpouring of calls, messages and visits and we understand it is a challenging time for many.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.

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