Carl “Papa J” Johnson (12/4/44 – 6/2/25), a lifelong Bostonian originally from Roslindale, was predeceased by his parents, John Ragnar and Katherine (Noonan) Johnson, and his siblings, Carol and John. He is survived by his wife, Linda (Mackie); his sons, David and Matthew; his daughter-in-law, Nilufer; and his grandchildren, Lale and Hayal. He also leaves behind many loving relatives and friends in the United States, Ireland, and Sweden.
Carl graduated from BC High and Boston College, and later earned an M.Ed. from the State College of Boston and a CAGS from Suffolk University. For nearly 40 years, he taught marine science at South Boston High School and was known for his hands-on field trips, notably his open-sea voyages aboard the Spirit of Massachusetts.
In 2021, Carl was inducted into the Massachusetts Hall of Fame for Science Educators. Way back in the 1990s, he used to host a weekly episode of Extra Help in Science on Boston’s Cablevision. He was a member of many other organizations, including the Boston Teachers Union, Massachusetts Marine Educators, Audubon Society, New England Aquarium, the Castle Island Association. He tutored at the West Roxbury Public Library, volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. John Chrysostom Church, and served as a Boy Scout leader with Troop 1, West Roxbury.
Carl loved spending his free time birdwatching and talking Boston sports. He was a proud 30-year season ticket holder of the New England Revolution, going back to the very start of the league. He ran the Boston Marathon more than once and volunteered with the race for over 25 years. He loved his time out on the Boston Harbor Islands and attending events for his grandchildren at Boston Latin School and the British International School of Boston. He loved his family deeply and was especially proud to have been welcomed into the Mackie family through his marriage to Linda. Their acceptance meant a great deal to him, and he was proud to be part of their lives.
The wake will be held on Sunday, June 8, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre Street, West Roxbury. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 9, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Chrysostom Church, 4750 Washington Street, West Roxbury. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. John Chrysostom Church, or honor Carl’s memory by sharing a story about him at [email protected].
His family wishes to thank you for your kindness during this difficult time. Your words, hugs, and presence have truly helped us as we grieve. Carl carried kindness in everything he did. We will miss him deeply.