Mr. Patrick Lamont Johnson

Patrick Lamont Johnson, 60, of Utica, NY, was called to glory on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at his home. He was born January 18, 1962, in Utica, New York to the late Gordon Patrick Johnson and Evelyn Loretta (Wilson) Johnson. A lifelong resident of Utica, Patrick attended public schools, graduating from the former Utica Free Academy in 1980. He served one tour in the United States Army. After a brief stint in Atlanta, GA, he returned to Utica and the community he loved. He devoted his life to improving the conditions for underserved populations, particularly in the Cornhill Area. In 2002, Patrick became founder/developer of the Hoops and Dreams Project, which uses basketball to teach life’s lessons to the youth of Utica. The goals of the program include “Raising awareness on how to reduce violence in the city of Utica and to teach youth what happens after your first dream cannot be realized.” In 2003, he became the Director of the YWCA Racial Justice Department. Patrick's race relations workshops, began as an additional service to Utica and the Mohawk Valley in an effort to foster better relations between the community and law enforcement. His Racial Justice workshops have become so famous, that they have expanded to serve the entire county and is moving throughout New York State. In 2005, Patrick started the New Life Institute. This program was designed to assist inner-city youth find the characteristics and learn the skills for becoming successful in life. In 2009, as an Independent Consultant, he served the Utica City School District and other organizations on race and diversity, providing workshops for faculty, staff administration, students addressing racial issues. In 2011, as the Campus Community Civility Liaison at Mohawk Valley Community College, Patrick continued to provide workshops for professional staff on racial issues, diversity and inclusion. In 2013, he became the Program Director for Save Our Streets, Oneida County District Attorney’s Office, facilitating monthly workshops for educators, law enforcement, business professionals, and the general public on issues of diversity and racial justice in the workplace and greater community. Most recently, as the Community Liaison employed by the District Attorney of Oneida County, Patrick worked tirelessly with individuals who were at-risk of being vulnerable toward this violence. His role was to engage young people who had repeated involvement with law enforcement and were considered a part of the most violent group in the city of Utica. Patrick worked to engage these individuals, through one-on-one visits to their homes, to encourage them to turn their lives around. He also helped them to access a range of needed resources towards that goal. Patrick followed up on every instance of gun violence in the city of Utica. He visited shooting victims in the hospital and worked tirelessly to deescalate community violence and prevent potential retaliations. Patrick was passionate about his work and left no stone unturned to help young people to thrive. As an outgrowth of his work in this area, and at the urging of community member Roger Patterson, Patrick founded the “Utica Street Team.” The Street Team - a group of men and women who work to create safety in neighborhoods that are vulnerable to crime and violence. This group of community volunteers assisted him in his work with Save Our Streets, as well as the Hoops and Dreams Basketball tournaments. He was also the president of the Board of Directors for Rebuilding the Village, whose mission is rebuilding the problem-solving skills and ingenuity of our people. Some of Patrick’s recent accolades include: · Levitt Fellow Hamilton College · Designated panel to Police Reform · Recognized by the Mason’s Lodge as “A Person of Distinction” · Recipient of Robbie Dancy Cultural Heritage Award · USA Today Award recipient · Various NAACP Awards Cherished memories of Patrick will remain in the hearts of many, including: his brother, G. Jeff (Teri) Johnson; sisters, Denise Johnson; Sharon Johnson (Tony) Sargent; Uncles: Theodore Wilson, Larry Johnson, Billy (Ruby) Johnson, and Steve Johnson. Aunts: Ernestine Wilson, Althera Freeman, Margaret Prosche, Carolyn (Roy) Follis, Kathy Johnson and Debbie Clarence. Nephews: Aaron, Jordan, Ryan, Cory, and Jelani, and his niece Aliyah. He also is survived by a host of cousins that he held near and dear to his heart. A special thank you to his “right-hand man”, Roosevelt Patterson; devoted friend and co-worker, Mrs. Freddie Hamilton; loving friend, Senora Pierce; along with other community members who helped Patrick launch and maintain his Hoops & Dreams vision - Craig Grant, Minister Courtney Muhammed, Minister Anthony Morrison, Geniene Harvey, Jawwaad Rasheed, James Scutchins, Sr., Lonnie Jenkins, Jerome McKinsey, Sr., Tyra McKinsey, Roger Patterson, Angela Patterson, Gary Harvey, Anthony Lee, Victor Voss, his brother, G. Jeff Johnson and the late Terrence Yarbrough; and very special caregivers, Nancy Grove and his cousins, Marilyn Betton Whitehurst and Bronya Boykin. We also want to thank the staff at Hospice and Palliative Care, and his physicians. A very special thank you to Superintendent J.L. Griffin and the St. Matthew’s Temple Church family, which Patrick considered his church home. To all those that loved him and served with him in the community, we give a most sincere THANK YOU and God bless you. We cannot call the names of everyone, but know that we appreciate everything you did for Patrick. Visitation will be held on Saturday morning, October 22, 2022 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 219 Leah St., Utica. Patrick’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at the church immediately upon conclusion of visitation. Face masks are required.

Mr. Patrick Lamont Johnson

January 18, 1962 - October 15, 2022