Kirk Johnson

                Kirk Johnson was born in Monongahela, Pennsylvania to Mr. and Mrs. Calvin & Pearl Bowman- Johnson on June 15, 1959. Born pre-mature at 3lbs 3oz. Kirk was given the family nickname of "Fella" because he was a fighter from birth, but that didn't stop him from achieving any goal set in front of him. Even at a young age Kirk demonstrated leadership amongst his family, especially his brothers and sister Karen, Robert "Bobby" (deceased) and Joel.

                Upon moving to Roselle, NJ. by way of Brooklyn, NY. Kirk and his siblings attended Charles C. Polk (Lincoln) elementary, Locust  (L.V. Moore) middle school as well as Abraham Clark High School. In high school Kirk aka 'RAB' was an all-around student athlete who played Baseball, Football and Basketball (#31). During his junior and senior year of high school he participated in one of the greatest high school teams that came out of A.C.H.S.

                Following his high school years Kirk attended Salem University in West Virginia from 1977-1981. This was a step away from his hometown and the family nick name "Fella" as well as the childhood nickname 'RAB'. There, Kirk better known as "Smooth" was reborn. Not only was Smooth his nickname but it was a part of his persona. While at Salem University Kirk studied Criminal Justice and played Football (#88). There he also met friends that had a great impact on his life.  After graduating Kirk moved to Georgia with his brother "Bobby" and attended Georgia State University to further his degree in Criminal Justice.

 Over the next 6 years he lived in Georgia where he worked with non-profits and underprivileged youth. This sparked his joy in community outreach. While living in Georgia he courted Carla White, the two were married in 1989 shortly after moving back to Roselle. During that same year Kirk became employed by the Union County Dept. of Corrections (PBA Local #199) and joined the Tuscan Lodge #1 out of Elizabeth and became a Freemason.

                Heavily involved with non-profit and community-based organizations, Kirk along with Lawrence Carter Jr. and Kenneth Houston founded "The Fellas Inc" to help many of Union County's less fortunate citizens, particularly children. Kirk never sought personal glory, just the satisfaction of helping others.  The Fellas Inc. raised money for families, directed coat and toy drives during the holidays and hosted Christmas parties and functions strictly for the community. They gave back tremendously and the community was very fortunately. In the early 2000's he received awards and accolades from the Union County Freeholders Board for his service with The Fellas Inc.

                Though The Fellas Inc. was his first 'baby',  in 1992 Kirk and his then wife Carla birthed a baby girl by the name of Diamond, named after his late mother Pearl. Kirk, over the years as a member of PBA Local #199, found an interest and love for bowling. With this talent he traveled the country bowling in tournaments as well as participating in leagues at the well-known Jersey Lanes in Linden where he received two 300-rings and became a respectable bowler as the anchor for his team "Back Breakers". 

Over the years Kirk continued to have his hands in community sponsorship as well as philanthropic support. He created a silent scholarship fund in his daughter’s name that aided in monetary assistance for girls who attended Michelle’s Dance Studio in Union as well as young bowlers in Jersey Lanes Junior League Bowling from 2010-2016.

                In 2015, Kirk retired from the Union County Dept. of Corrections after 25 years of service after experiencing some health issues. His legacy of being the person who people could rely on lives through the people who were blessed enough to feel his impact. He leaves behind his siblings Karen and Joel, a niece Kacy, nephews Kareem, Adem, Myles, Kevon and Julian, along with his daughter Diamond and his dog Marley.

                Kirk also leaves behind friends, sisters & brothers and a slew of beloved people that called him Uncle Fella, Uncle Kirk or Uncle Smooth. He will truly be missed.