Obituary of George Lawrence Johansen

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the death of our beloved husband and father, George L. Johansen.  George, a long-time Peekskill resident, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 5, 2023, following a lengthy illness that he refused to let define him, and bravely fought for over 12 years.

George was born to Lawrence and Louise (Dalton) Johansen in Staten Island, NY where he attended Tottenville High School.  He served in the United States Army and was a combat veteran, having fought in Vietnam during the early part of the conflict in 1965 and 1966.

Upon his return from the war, George joined the New York State Police in 1967 where he worked until his retirement in 1991.  Soon after becoming a New York State Trooper, he met the love of his life, Joan (Edwards), and they married in 1969.  George and Joan were married for 54 years and had two adoring children, Amy and Eric.  Together as a family, they enjoyed traveling, camping, skiing, SCUBA diving, and sailing. But most of all, George was happiest when they were simply all together around the dining room table.

During his distinguished New York State Police career in Troop K, George investigated and helped solve many high-profile crimes throughout the Hudson Valley region.  As the Senior Investigator at NYSP Peekskill, he loved working with his squad and cherished the lifelong friendships that were forged during this time. 

Following his retirement, George held many positions in Law Enforcement and Security.  In 2001, he was very proud to return to policing, serving the New York and New Jersey Port Authority Police Department as the Deputy Superintendent until 2007.  George’s law enforcement career concluded with a return to the New York State Police where he worked as an Investigator/Consultant until 2019. 

He was well known and respected for his over 50 years of public service which also included serving the City of Peekskill as a Councilman and Deputy Mayor

George was an accomplished private pilot certified to fly single and multi-engine planes.  He loved to fly with his great friends and fellow aviators with whom he shared thousands of hours in the cockpits of many types of aircraft.  His personal favorite was a seaplane which he loved to take off from and land in the Hudson River and surrounding creeks in Ulster County.

George was also a talented sailor who loved to skipper sailboats and powerboats all over the Caribbean Sea, or up and down the inter-coastal waterway with his friends and family.  His favorite islands were St. Thomas, St. John, and Jost Van Dyke, and he loved to visit the Willie T!

If he wasn’t soaking in the warm Caribbean sun in the wintertime, he could be found on the ski slopes.  George skied all over the Northeast, the Rockies, Canada, and the Alps; and even got Joan to the top of many mountains.

Throughout their marriage, George and Joan traveled the globe together. They cruised the Mediterranean and river villages of France; biked through the vineyards of Napa Valley, and visited Taiwan, Scandinavia, and the British and Greek Isles.  They were true world travelers and best friends.

Somehow, George also found time to attend many Super Bowls, World Series Games, NASCAR races, and even sped around the Charlotte Speedway driving a Richard Petty Stock Car.

George found great joy in sharing his favorite hobbies and thirst for adventure with his family and closest friends.

In addition to his wife and children, George is survived by his daughter-in-law Catherine (Trerotola), grandchildren Eric, Leila, and Melissa; sisters Carol (Danny) Meyler, Gail (Patrick) Lomma, and Dawn Johansen.  He was predeceased by his sisters Marylou and Joyce.  He is also survived by many adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, 414 Washington Street, Peekskill, NY.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 10:00 am at St. Christopher's Church, 3094 Albany Post Road, Buchanan, NY.

Interment and Rendering of Military Honors to follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery, 345 Broadway, Verplanck, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George's honor to The Special Olympics, which always held a place close to his heart because of his dear sister Joyce or Tunnel to Towers Foundation because of their support to the families and military and law enforcement personnel killed in the line of duty.