Obituary for Ralph Paul Johnson
Ralph Paul Johnson, 59, of Levittown, PA passed peacefully into the presence of his Savior on January 20, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Ralph was born in Philadelphia, PA to Harmon C. and Joanne T. Johnson on October 28, 1963. He was raised in Bucks County, graduated from Lower Bucks Christian Academy, and attended Word of Life Bible Institute. He would later graduate from the Philadelphia Police Academy and the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command.
Ralph’s greatest joy was his family. In 1987 he married his college sweetheart, Carolyn Erickson. Together they raised four children. He delighted most in his role as “Pop” to his two beautiful granddaughters.
Ralph’s life was one of commitment and service to his community. He served in the Bristol Township Police Department for 37 years. His extensive career encompassed time as a patrolman, K-9 Officer, D.A.R.E. Officer, Operations Commander for Bristol Township SWAT, and narcotics investigator, including his tenure with the Philadelphia Field Division of the DEA. Throughout his career, he was promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant, Acting Chief, and most recently Deputy Chief. He earned several awards, including the Community Valor Award for a heroic fire rescue in 1990, Top Student of DEA Basic Drug Investigators School, Distinguished Service Award from the local Kiwanis Club, and County Award for Outstanding Police Performance.
Ralph also served in church from an early age, using his gifts of art and music to bless others. He would be found many Sundays leading worship with his guitar, often accompanied by his wife and one or more of his children. He also served as a church elder and teacher for many years at Calvary Baptist Church in Bristol.
Ralph was known for his outstanding work ethic, quick wit, and generous spirit. He was a friend and mentor to many, always willing to listen and offer sound advice. He led by example, selflessly serving others and loving them well.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Erickson Johnson; his devoted children, Kirsten Palmieri (Ronnie), Melanie Reinhard (Alex), Lynnea Spina (Tony), and Andrew Johnson; and his darling granddaughters, Lyla and Juniper Palmieri. He is also survived by his mother, Joanne McQuillan Johnson; siblings, Colleen Cappuccio (Ron), Kristina Smith (Dale), Matthew Johnson (Jennifer), Janine Rittinger (Chris), Janelle Beiler (Jeff), Daniel Johnson (Tanya), and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Harmon Clark Johnson.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing, Saturday, January 28, 2023, from 9 to 11 AM at the Christian Life Center, 3100 Galloway Rd., Bensalem, PA 19020, followed by his service at 11 AM. Interment Beechwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Bucks County Heroes Scholarship Fund. There are two options for making In Honor / In Memory of Donations:
Sending a check with Ralph Johnson in the memo section, to 1760 S. Easton Rd, Doylestown, PA 18901
or make an electronic payment using the website portal www.buckscountyheroes.com and then send an email letting them know it was for Ralph Johnson. rlvona@buckscounty.org
www.tomlinsonfh.com
Ralph’s greatest joy was his family. In 1987 he married his college sweetheart, Carolyn Erickson. Together they raised four children. He delighted most in his role as “Pop” to his two beautiful granddaughters.
Ralph’s life was one of commitment and service to his community. He served in the Bristol Township Police Department for 37 years. His extensive career encompassed time as a patrolman, K-9 Officer, D.A.R.E. Officer, Operations Commander for Bristol Township SWAT, and narcotics investigator, including his tenure with the Philadelphia Field Division of the DEA. Throughout his career, he was promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant, Acting Chief, and most recently Deputy Chief. He earned several awards, including the Community Valor Award for a heroic fire rescue in 1990, Top Student of DEA Basic Drug Investigators School, Distinguished Service Award from the local Kiwanis Club, and County Award for Outstanding Police Performance.
Ralph also served in church from an early age, using his gifts of art and music to bless others. He would be found many Sundays leading worship with his guitar, often accompanied by his wife and one or more of his children. He also served as a church elder and teacher for many years at Calvary Baptist Church in Bristol.
Ralph was known for his outstanding work ethic, quick wit, and generous spirit. He was a friend and mentor to many, always willing to listen and offer sound advice. He led by example, selflessly serving others and loving them well.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Erickson Johnson; his devoted children, Kirsten Palmieri (Ronnie), Melanie Reinhard (Alex), Lynnea Spina (Tony), and Andrew Johnson; and his darling granddaughters, Lyla and Juniper Palmieri. He is also survived by his mother, Joanne McQuillan Johnson; siblings, Colleen Cappuccio (Ron), Kristina Smith (Dale), Matthew Johnson (Jennifer), Janine Rittinger (Chris), Janelle Beiler (Jeff), Daniel Johnson (Tanya), and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Harmon Clark Johnson.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing, Saturday, January 28, 2023, from 9 to 11 AM at the Christian Life Center, 3100 Galloway Rd., Bensalem, PA 19020, followed by his service at 11 AM. Interment Beechwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Bucks County Heroes Scholarship Fund. There are two options for making In Honor / In Memory of Donations:
Sending a check with Ralph Johnson in the memo section, to 1760 S. Easton Rd, Doylestown, PA 18901
or make an electronic payment using the website portal www.buckscountyheroes.com and then send an email letting them know it was for Ralph Johnson. rlvona@buckscounty.org
www.tomlinsonfh.com