Paul H. “Lefty” Johnson passed away peacefully at Mass General Brigham Hospital in Salem on Sunday, May 31 with his wife and children at his side. Born in Rutland, Vermont, Paul was the son of the late Carl and Elsie (Larson) Johnson.

Paul graduated from West Rutland High School, VT in 1957, and shortly after graduation he joined the US Navy and served on the USS Little Rock from 1957-1961. In 1961, he moved to Lynn to attend the General Electric Apprentice Program, from which he graduated with honors in 1965. Paul ended his 30 year career as a Project Manager in the General Electric Aerospace Division Lynn, MA. He had many interests, the greatest being genealogy, travel, photography, and playing cribbage.

Dedicated to his children, he became a Little League Coach, Cub Scout Leader, and Boy Scout Leader. He was a supporter of the Lynn English Drama Club as well as a volunteer for Muscular Dystrophy. Through his dedication and time with the Boy Scouts as a leader and then as a trainer of leaders, Paul was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award given by the National Council to a Scout Volunteer, in 1986. He was active in the GE Managerial Elfun Society, which awarded him the Elfun of the Year Award for the Boston District in 1989, for his community service.

In 1995, Paul suffered a major stroke, resulting in his early retirement from GE. Surprising his doctors, Paul learned to walk again in time to walk his daughter down the aisle three months later. He dedicated himself to learning to do all things with his left hand.

Paul was raised a Master Mason in Hiram Lodge #101, West Rutland, VT in 1964 where he was a 60+ year member. In 2002, Paul joined the Golden Fleece Lodge (currently Ascendus Lodge) in Lynn and was a lifetime member at this lodge. He received his 60 year member recognition in 2024. Paul joined the Aleppo Shrine in 2003 and shortly after joining the Shrine, he decided to join the clown unit, and 'Lefty the Clown' was born. This led to many years of entertaining all those around him. As a clown, he received numerous awards for his works. He enjoyed bringing joy to the children at the Shrine Circus as well as the patients at the Shriner's Burn Hospital in Boston. He was past president of the North Shore Shrine Club; a member of York Rite and Scottish Rite, as well as past director of Boston Court 103, Royal Order of Jesters.

Paul is survived by his wife of 61 years, “his bride” Maureen (Elliott) Johnson, his children: Karen (Johnson) Toste (Frank) of Raynham, Terri (Johnson) Buscemi (Jim) of Maynard, and Paul C. Johnson (Joanna) of Downingtown PA; and his grandchildren: Olivia Toste, Catherine (Toste) Porzio (Anthony), Nathaniel Toste, Isabel Toste, Julianne Toste, Lucas Toste, Aviva Buscemi, Elliott Johnson, and Henry Johnson as well as his sister Betsey C. Johnson Jenkins (Bob) of Colchester, VT, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl G. and Elsie (Larson) Johnson and his sister Karla A. Johnson.

‘Lefty’s’ motto became: “If life throws you a curve ball, you can laugh or cry – I choose laughter.” Paul was an inspiration to many who struggle to overcome difficulties. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 6, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Goodrich Funeral Home, 128 Washington St, Lynn, MA. A Masonic Service will be at 5 pm. Private burial will be at a later date.

The family requests no flowers at the service. Memorials may be made to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) at Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy or Shriners Children's Boston with "Child Life" in the check memo line. Mail to Shriners Children's Boston, Office of Philanthropy, ATTN: Shiva Damghany, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114.