John E. Johnson, 72, of 60 Loxwood St. died yesterday in St. Vincent Hospital after an illness.  He leaves his wife, Ethel G. (Hayes) Johnson;  a son, Paul E. Johnson; and a stepson, Robert E. Girard, both of Worcester; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces.  He was born in Worcester, son of John A. and Olga (Westlund) Johnson, and lived here most of his life.  He was an Army veteran of World War II, serving in the Asian-Pacific theatre.  He saw action in the South Pacific, including Guadalcanal.  He worked for 30 years in the street bureau, Worcester Department of Public Works, retiring in 1984.  Mr. Johnson was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  He was a member and past commander of District 8, VFW.  He was a member of Main South Post, American Legion; Worcester Chapter 4, Disabled American Veterans; and the Americal Division Association.  He was a member of the Greendale Retired Men’s Club and it’s golf league.  The Funeral will be held Wednesday from Fay Brothers Funeral Home, 9 Hammond St., with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Ascension Church, 40 Vernon St.  Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.  Calling hours are 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow at the funeral home.