Stanley J. Johnson

Stanley J. Johnson, 70, formerly of East Greenwich, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025 at Stonebridge nursing home in Benton, IL.

Stanley was born July 28, 1955 to Roy and Claire Johnson in Warwick, Rhode Island. Stanley was a lifelong resident of East Greenwich until moving to Illinois in 2019.

He was a 1973 graduate of East Greenwich High School and was a member of the cross-country team all four years. He pursued a career in education and received his bachelor’s degree from Rhode Island College in industrial education and later his master’s degree in technology education. He was a teacher for 30 years. He began in the Dighton-Rehoboth, MA school system, developing a special education program for pre-vocational high school students. He began teaching at Archie Cole Junior High in East Greenwich in 1985 and remained there until he retired. He taught computer, industrial arts, wood shop, and photography over the years as a beloved teacher. He was known as “Mr. J” by his students.

Stanley was also known as “Coach J” to many cross country and track and field athletes. Stanley coached the EGHS track and field team for over 20 years, he started coaching the boys team in 1987 and took over the girls team in 2000, coaching multiple class championship teams. Stanley was also named Girls Indoor Track coach of the year. He also coached boys and girls cross country at Cole Junior High beginning in 1989 and in 1991 had the school’s first state championship in the sport with an undefeated southern division championship. He had multiple southern division championship teams and led the team to several state championships. He was involved with Hershey track and field program for youth, Hill and Harrier track club, and coached EG soccer for his son, Christopher’s team. During the summer he was self-employed, painting houses with his brothers Wayne and Ray.

Stanley was an active member of St. Luke’s Church serving on property committee, search committee, and vestry .

Stanley was married to Lisa B. Johnson from 1979-1999, together they had three children: Erica, Christopher, and Andrew. Lisa preceded him in death in 2024.

He is survived by daughter Erica (Stephen) North of Herrin, IL, son Christopher Johnson of Round Rock, TX, and son Andrew (Ashley) Johnson of Norfolk, MA. Sister Becky (Bernie) Bullinger of East Greenwich, brother Wayne Johnson of Warwick, RI, and foster brother Ray McEvoy of Groton, CT. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Janelle and Bailey North of Herrin, IL, Camden, Caleb, and Claire Johnson of Round Rock, TX, and Ayla Johnson of Norfolk, MA, 6 nephews and 2 nieces.

The family would like to thank The Landings in Carbondale, IL and Stonebridge Nursing Home in Benton, IL for their care and compassion.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Fagan Quinn Funeral Home, 825 Boston Neck Rd., North Kingstown UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE HILL SKEFFINGTON FUNERAL HOME OF EAST GREENWICH. His funeral and burial will be private. www.hillskeffington.com