Mr. Carl Johnson

Mr. Carl Johnson (1962-2012)

"With great sadness I learned about the passing of Carl Johnson last night. Carl was a master teacher of Math at Saddle Brook H.S. and I say that because he could relate and teach math to the highest level student as well as our special needs students. So cooperative and willing to go out of his way to meet the needs of his students he was an asset to us and I am so proud to have played an intricate part in bringing him to Saddle Brook. He recently took over the Librarian position at the Middle/High School and that says something as well, to be certified in Math and Library Sciences what a unique combination. Carl was a good man and was called much to early, he will be missed by all but mostly by the children of the Saddle Brook School System. Rest in peace Carl and GOD BLESS you!"

-Mr. Jack Impomeni, SBHS teacher of 40 years

Eight years ago, a dear friend of my family's died. He was a teacher from Saddle Brook High School. I remember the deep pit in my stomach and the shock that overcame me. I remember the amount of sadness and grief the entire town had for this teacher. I exaggerate you not, the entire town. It is amazing how one individual, especially a teacher, can have such a profound impact on people's lives when they come in contact with them. When this teacher died, I learned a great lesson, at a very young age, how to appreciate every life you come in contact with. Because not every day is a given.

Last week, that same sadness I had not felt since Chuck Broadhurst died had overcome me once more. I had found out that a teacher from Saddle Brook High School had died unexpectedly. Mr. Carl Johnson was a dedicated math teacher for over 20 years, the eight years which he taught at my Alma mater, Saddle Brook High. Most recently he was working in Library Services as the Media Center Specialist. He also served in our nation's Air Force Reserves for several years, as well as volunteered for many service projects. One of those service projects was Habitat for Humanity.

Carl Johnson in Dallas for Habitat for Humanity in 2010

That unfortunate yet familiar shock overcame me and I called a few teachers whom I am very good friends with at their homes to confirm the news and get the details. He died of a massive heart attack. I felt like I was having one, just hearing about it. I spoke to his closest friends who were understandably devastated and shocked. 

I had Carl Johnson as my Algebra II teacher in my junior year. My junior year was a very difficult year for me in my personal life. A lot of changes on the horizons, the Friars of Old going their separate ways, my martial arts school moves, I had deaths in my family, friends were changing, and I got very sick that year. Managing school was very difficult. Mr. Johnson was a very understanding teacher. My junior year was very much a blur for me, I don't know how I got through any of my classes, including his. There wasn't a whole lot of consistency for me that year. But Mr. Johnson was. 

Air Force Reserves 1985

Carl Johnson had a very quiet, laid back, kind personality. I NEVER saw him upset or lose his temper. He was diligent, sharp, and students related to him. My freshman year was his first year teaching at SBHS. When it came time for my senior prom, I will never forget the little tribute he voluntarily made for us. Because we were his "first class" and started SBHS "with him" he had the D.J lend him the microphone as he made a little speech to us and danced this line dance shuffle as a tribute to us. It was a silly, yet beautiful tribute to us. I remember how we hoo-ed and woo-ed him on and whistled and clapped till our hands were red, just because Mr. Johnson did it for us. Now, to my understanding, many students who he taught line dancing to will be paying tribute in that same manner. 

Another great memory I have of Carl Johnson was how every year he would judge our high school talent show and our drag-comedy show that raised for charity called Mr. Saddle Brook. One year my friend Eric dressed up as Marilyn Monroe, and had asked Mr. Johnson to come up on stage so he could sing happy birthday to him, the same way Marilyn sang to the president. Eric sat on his lap, caressed his hair, Mr. Johnson laughed and was such a good sport. I have the pictures in my picture album. Another year when I hosted the talent show, I did a skit that involved math and made mention of him and would continue to refer to him in my skit. It's these little memories that add up that become such treasures over night.

Mr. Johnson was known for his line dance shuffle!

It is a great loss for not only a school system, but for anyone who ever loses someone so soon.

We never know what the day will bring. We never know what life will be like the next day. Every day we come in contact with people that we never know in what way they will effect us. Appreciate every day you have with the people that matter in your life. And never let a day goes by that you don't tell them you love them. You never know when the last time that will be. Truth be told, everyone loved Mr. Carl Johnson, no one had a bad thing to say about him. SO we all say, the community of Saddle Brook as teachers, students, and alumni, Mr. Johnson, we love you and your essence will live on in our memories and our hearts. 

There will be a memorial for Carl Johnson on Tuesday August 7th at 8PM in the Charles Broadhurst Memorial Auditorium at Saddle Brook High School. All are welcome to attend. The family will take donations for the Good Shepherd Home in Allentown, PA, where Mr. Johnson's handicapped brother has been receiving care for over 30 years, by clicking on the link here. Students and friends can post pictures and memories for the family to see at the memorial Facebook page.

Yours in service,

MASTER TRENTO