Paul Johnson

HARTFORD – Paul Johnson, 84, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Livermore, to Margaret Ann Johnson and George Henry Johnson, Paul attended schools in both Maine and Massachusetts, including a two-room schoolhouse, Boston Latin School, and Norwood High School, where he graduated in 1961. Family members fondly recalled that on his very first day of kindergarten, Paul locked himself in the basement of his home after lunch and refused to return to school until the following year. Ironically, he went on to devote 54 years of his life to public education in Maine.

As a young man, Paul was a competitive hockey and tennis player. He attended Gorham State Teachers College from 1961 to 1965, where he served two years as Class President and captained the men’s tennis team for two seasons. It was on the steps of Bailey Hall that Paul found the courage to strike up a conversation with Beverly Garramore—a moment that began a remarkable 62-year love story and lifelong partnership.

Paul began his educational career teaching at Windham Junior High School from 1965 to 1969. At 27 years old, he became Principal of Noble Junior High School in MSAD #60, serving for five years before becoming Assistant Superintendent for six years. At the age of 38, he was appointed Superintendent, a position he held for 19 years until retiring in 1999.

Throughout his tenure, Paul was instrumental in the construction of five new local school buildings, including the nationally award-winning Noble High School, while keeping costs to local taxpayers to a minimum. In 1998, he served as President of the Maine School Superintendents Association. Together with teachers and administrators, Paul helped create innovative programs that put students first. He hired, mentored, and inspired countless educators, earning the admiration and respect of colleagues across the state.

Following his retirement from MSAD #60, Paul began a second career as a School Construction Consultant for the Maine Department of Education with Scott Brown and Dale Doughty. Over the next 20 years, this team oversaw the site selection and construction of 75 new schools throughout Maine. Paul officially retired at the age of 75 while living at Bear Pond in Hartford.

Paul and Beverly cherished the friendships they built throughout their years in education. They loved gathering with friends and colleagues over meals, drinks, laughter, and countless stories, whether dining out or hosting at home. Among those especially dear to them were the Girouxs, Goodwins, Greens, Grays, Guptills, Halletts, Turcottes, Spadafores and Weeds. Paul also treasured his Thursday night poker group whenever school board meetings were not on the schedule: Wally Kennie, Bob Doucette, Fran Hook, Ron McLaughlin, and Tony Vakalis. His college friendships with the Hoxies, LeBlancs, and Provosts remained lifelong blessings.

Paul was fiercely loyal—to his family, friends, colleagues, and the MSAD #60 community. Remarkably, he made it through his entire career without taking a single sick day.

In retirement, Paul found joy in simple pleasures. He loved working outdoors. Over the course of his life, he enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

A lifelong Boston Bruins fan, Paul fondly remembered attending games with his father at the old Boston Garden for just $2.25 a ticket. He was also a lively competitor whose quick wit, good-natured heckling, and competitive spirit made him a formidable opponent and an unforgettable friend.

Paul was predeceased by his beloved wife, Beverly Johnson; his parents, Margaret and George Johnson; and his brothers Ben, Larry, and David Johnson and loved sister-in-law, “Vena” Johnson.

He is lovingly survived by his son, Kenneth Johnson, and daughter-in-law, Laura Johnson, of St. Albans, Vt., his daughter, Jennifer Hersom, and son-in-law, Jeremy Hersom, of Berwick; and his four cherished grandchildren, Marley and Camden Johnson of Vermont, and Addison and Olivia Hersom of Maine.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Seacoast Home Care and Wentworth Hospice for honoring Paul’s wish to spend his final days at home safely and peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and beloved pets.

Family, friends, former colleagues, and community members are invited to the Paul Johnson Library to share memories and reflect on a life devoted to education, leadership, and service. The gathering will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 30 at Noble High School in North Berwick.