Paul W. Johnson

Paul Johnson, born March 30th, 1940, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2018. Paul led a colorful life, always seeking adventure, and always kept those close to him guessing what he was going to do next.

Paul enjoyed bullhead fishing as a young boy in the Sandy Pond, NY area with Lee Kilts, the man he always called "dad." Paul's mother, Cecil Kilts, was also the mother to Paul's 4 other siblings-Nancy, Barbara, Charlie, and Bobby. From that young age, Paul developed a deep sense of love of being close to the water.

As a teenager in Pulaski, NY, Paul was quite the ladies' man and it was said he resembled Elvis Presley. He won the heart of young Shirley Novak and they were wed in 1957 and had 3 children. They remained married for 13 years. Paul then married Dorothy, and together they traveled the world visiting destinations such as Hawaii, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Dorothy passed away in the 1980s from cancer and Paul took care of her in her final days.
After the passing of Dorothy, Paul chose to lead a simpler life, traveling extensively up and down the Eastern seaboard. Paul enjoyed stops at popular beaches along the way but was always drawn back to Virginia Beach, a place that held a permanent spot in his heart. He was accompanied by his trusty four-legged companion, Popeye, for many years.

Paul was a car salesman by trade. He owned and operated Johnson's Auto Sales in Syracuse, NY, for many years before moving to Virginia Beach, VA. Paul worked for Banner Buick in Virginia Beach for 10 years and was awarded the recognition of top salesman in the area.
Paul could always be seen with a cup of coffee in hand and had a sweet spot for helping those less fortunate than himself. He was frequently spotted bringing leftover food from an area restaurant to the homeless at the oceanfront or rescuing abandoned animals in the area. Paul brought several innovative ideas to fruition with the marketing of his handmade jewelry, Lincoln lanterns, and "How To Win At The Horse Races" VHS tapes with analytic wheel. Paul's love for race horses continued throughout his life.

Paul sustained a TBI in a serious auto accident in 2001 but, after a lengthy recovery, proved himself strong and continued his adventurous lifestyle for many years. Injuries Paul sustained from that accident caught up to him in recent years and Paul spent recent days at The Cottages at the Grove in Cicero, NY. Paul's family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at The Cottages, especially the CNAs directly involved in his day-to-day care. The staff displayed kindness, empathy, and patience towards Paul and provided exceptional care.

Paul is survived by three children, Tom Johnson of Va Beach, Va, Teresa (Chuck) Austin of Va Beach, Va, and Paula Johnson of Pulaski, NY. Paul is also survived by four grandchildren, Stacey Clark of Parish, NY, Sarah Ward of Pulaski, NY, EJ Ward of Aurora, Co, and Pauline Austin of Va Beach, Va. There are also two surviving great-grandchildren, Lani Ward of Pulaski, NY, and Noah Clark of Parish, NY. Several nieces and nephews along with other family members' locations are unknown.

Paul will be laid to rest next to his mother and father in Pulaski Cemetery, Pulaski, NY at the family's convenience. In lieu of cards or flowers, donations can be made to the Brain Trauma Foundation or your local animal shelter in Paul's memory.

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