William Paul Johnson, 75, of Chatham, NY and The Villages, FL passed away August 8, 2025 at Albany Medical Center. He was born in Springfield, Massachusetts to Joseph and Mary Ann (O'Rourke)Johnson. Upon graduating from high school he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from 1968 to 1971, completing UDT training (Navy Seals), and served in Vietnam in the "Brown Water Navy" aboard river boats.
When he returned to civilian life, he earned his Bachelor's degree in Physical Education at Westfield State College followed by his Master's Degree in Special Education and Supervision from American international College. He was employed for a number of years at residential schools in Western Massachusetts. In 1988 he joined the faculty of the New Lebanon Central School District,  first teaching at the high school and retiring from the Walter B Howard Elementary School  in 2012. On weekends and during summer breaks, he tended bar at 20 Railroad St. and the Barrington Brewery in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and at the Old Mill in South Egremont. The Saturday after Thanksgiving would find him at The Snap Shop in Great Barrington dressed as his alter ego, "Santa Claus", for free photos. Bill was certified as an EMT and participated with the Southern Berkshire Volunteer Ambulance Squad. For the last 12 years, he and his wife wintered in Florida where they enjoyed the sunshine and golf and made many new friends.
Bill was predeceased by his parents and his brother James.
He is survived by his wife, Jackie Forcucci, sons Nicholas (Amanda) and Seth (Megan), grandsons Cole, Connor, and Oliver; stepsons Timothy Fowler and Peter Forcucci, step grandsons Porter and Russell; sister, Maryrose Sitek, brother Alfred, half sisters Patricia McMaster and Marianne Fraley; niece Tracy, nephew Joey, as well as the many friends he made along his life's journey.
There will be calling hours at the Wenk Funeral Home in Chatham New York on October 4, 2025 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, followed by a memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Wounded Warrior Project or the charity of your choice.