ROBERT C. JOHNSON (1933-2019)
Robert C. Johnson – “Bob,” “Bobby,” “Ace” – age 85, of Downingtown, PA passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at Paoli Hospital after a short illness, surrounded by his family.
Bob was born in Waterbury, CT, to the late John M.E. and Aletha (nee Clark) Johnson on November 22, 1933.
During his career as a Chemist, Bob worked for Campbell Soup Co., Pepperidge Farm, and Rhone-Poulenc Rorer. He graduated in 1951 from Crosby High School in Waterbury, CT; in 1953from Kingswood Prep (now Kingswood Oxford) School in WestHartford, CT; and from Middlebury College in Middlebury, VTin 1958. Bob later returned to school to earn his Master’s degree from Temple University in Philadelphia in 1985. In 1993, Bob retired from his career to enjoy other endeavors and pursue his many other interests.
All who met Bob were struck by, and they often commented on, how genuinely nice he was. Those of us who knew him best know how deeply gentle, kind, and fun he was. Always competitive, in school he played football, basketball, and baseball, and later he brought that same good-natured competitiveness to card games with friends and family – Bridge with his friends and Hearts on vacation in Lake Winnipesaukee– and to board games with the kids. Bob loved playing golf with friends as well, both during his working days and well into his retirement years. Bob and Alice also enjoyed traveling together to many places throughout the world. Education was always a large part of Bob’s life: Over the years he extended his knowledge into many diverse areas, including studying German and Italian, earning his Master Electrician certification, and preparing income tax returns for many clients.
Bob loved music and joyfully danced to “ballroom music” with Alice and to the “Top 40 hits” with the kids. He was even known to take his turn at karaoke! No matter the situation, Bob was fun to be around.
In addition to his parents, Bob is preceded in death by his brothers John and Norman and his sisters Olive Johnson and Jane Hazen and by sister-in-law Jacqueline Johnson and brothers-in-law Lloyd Hazen and William Betterley.
Bob is survived by his wife Alice Webbe Johnson, with whom he shared almost 63 years of marriage; two daughters, Lisa Johnson (Ted Laarkamp) and Elizabeth Johnson (Michael Quinn); and one son, Robert Johnson (Juliet Primanti). Bob is also survived by his four grandchildren: Stephen Laarkamp, Chase Johnson, Maia Quinn, and Ella Johnson. Bob’s sister Jacqueline Betterley and sisters-in-law Frances Johnson and Margaret Tester, as well as many nieces and nephews and wonderful friends, also survive him.
The family warmly thanks the staff at Paoli Hospital and Hospice for the care and kindness they showed to our husband/father as well as to us, his family, during his last days.The family is also grateful to Active Day of Exton, which provided a safe harbor for Bob as he struggled with dementia.
Bob’s was a life well lived. His wonderful grace and good nature blessed all who were fortunate enough to know him, and he will be deeply missed.
A private memorial service is planned.
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