- Date Of Birth: July 17, 1923
- Date Of Death: January 24, 2002
- State: Connecticut
Paul E. Johnson Jr., 78, of 10 Crocker Hill Rd., Ledyard, died Thursday, January 24, 2002 following a long illness, at his daughter s home in Ledyard. He died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Windham on July 17, 1923, son of Paul E. Johnson Sr. and Pearl (Robinson) Johnson. He attended the Windham School System and graduated from Windham High School. He served in the U.S. Army. Mr. Johnson was a well known boxer and fought under the name Joe Gans . During his boxing career of 219 matches, he fought many boxing greats such as Sugar Ray Robinson, Rocky Graziano and Jake Lamata. He went on to become New England Welterweight Champion and Middleweight Champion, as well as New Jersey Welterweight Champion. After his boxing career, he attended Seton Hall University where he received a degree as a Registered Nurse. He then went to work at Greystone Hospital in New Jersey as a Forensic Nurse and then later transferred to Whiting Forensic in Middletown, CT, where he worked until retirement. After his retirement he came to live with his daughter in Ledyard. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Hazel Johnson, his brother, William Johnson, and most recently his sister, Cora Moore. He is survived by three daughters, Shirley Patrick (Laughing Woman), Antonia Sowell and Monica Johnson, five sons, Pedro Johnson (Silver Wolf), Paul Harris, William Johnson, Paul Johnson III and Antonio Johnson. Additionally, he leaves 15 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
