Johnny Toomey

Philip John Carlin Jr., AKA Johnny Toomey, Camden, NJ

JOHNNY TOOMEY was the ring name of Philip John Carlin Jr., one of the three brothers from Camden NJ who fought under the surname Toomey, the others being his older half-brothers Daniel “Danny” Toomey and William “Billy” Toomey. Another brother, Jake Carlin, fought as an amateur, and apparently the Toomey boys’ father had also fought professionally.

He was born on July 23rd, 1914 in Camden NJ to Philip J. and Bertha Carlin. His early years were spent at 53 South 26th Street in East Camden. By 1924 the family had moved to 70 South 24th Street. During these years his father worked as a pipe-fitter and as a steamfitter. The April 1930 Census found the family at 101 South 33rd Street. Besides the four boys mentioned above, there were also two daughters, Mary and Clara Carlin. Philip J. Carlin Sr. died in 1936.

Following his older brothers into both the Navy and professional boxing, young Carlin, under the name Johnny Toomey reportedly fought 134 times during an eleven year period. He served in the United States Navy prior to World War II, then returned to civilian life and professional boxing. His last known fight came in 1945 after a four year layoff, as he had returned to the US Navy during World War II.

Last a resident of 417 Vine Street in North Camden, Philip J.” Johnny Toomey” Carlin suffered a fatal heart attack on October 6, 1953 at the Ridgway Hotel, which stood on the southwest corner of Front and Market Streets in Camden NJ, opposite the old Pennsylvania Railroad Ferry. He was buried at Arlington Cemetery in Pennsauken NJ, near his mother, who survived him, as did his brothers, and a sister, Mrs. Mary Hines. He also left a son, Jackie Carlin, and a daughter, Miss Phyllis Carlin.


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