Robert Johnson

Johnson, Robert
Robert O. Johnson, 89, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on August 23. Bob and Vi, his wife of 65 years, moved to Stratford, CT upon retirement 22 years ago. Natives of Denver, CO they moved to Long Island in 1962 for Bob to pursue his doctorate in education at NYU. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son Steve (Annette) of Frisco, TX, daughter Pam Kovacs (David) of Richmond, VA, and Teena Arbo (Max died in 2011) of Bethany, CT; five grandchildren, Melissa Arbo Greenberg (Glen), Krista Arbo, Carolyn Kovacs, Eric and Stephanie Johnson; two great-grandchildren, Graydon and Maci Greenberg; and many nieces and nephews. Bob was a life-long educator, touching the lives of many in Colorado and on Long Island as a coach, teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal and superintendent. His passion for people and making the world a kinder place carried over upon retirement in volunteer work for Meals on Wheels, Salvation Army, hospice, and up until recently for 15 years at St. Vincent's Special Needs Adult Day Services in Stratford. His devotion to friends transcended moves from CO to NY and CT. An inspiration to students, staff and others, Bob had a special way of bringing people together, including The Sideshow, his golfing buddies at Oronoque Country Club. Bob served proudly as a Naval officer during World War II. He marveled at his experiences including walking the Great Wall of China alone at age 19. His love of travel continued across 65 years with Vi. They loved road trips and cruises, visiting all 50 states and many parts of the world. Vi and Bob loved Sundays in NYC and attended All Souls Unitarian Church calling it "a place to hear about mystery and miracles, wonder and awe." Bob enjoyed the beauty of nature, especially his dahlias and other flowers he shared with friends who passed their home at the 18th green. His love of sports started early in life as an athlete, coach and fan, a passion he shared with family and friends. Most of all, his love for his children and grandchildren was never ending. Volunteering until the end, Bob gave his body to Science Care for medical research. Should you wish, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be used by the family to continue their practice of honoring the staff at St. Vincent's; checks made out and sent to: Violet Johnson c/o P.O. Box 3779, Woodbridge, CT 06525. Or because of Bob's service as a hospice volunteer and our profound gratitude for the compassionate staff at VITAS Hospice, please consider a donation in his name to: VITAS Hospice Care, 99 Hawley Lane, Suite 1204, Stratford, CT 06614, or any charity of your choice. A celebration of Bob's life will be held Saturday, Sept. 20 at 1pm at the Oronoque Country Club, 385 Oronoque Lane, Stratford, CT 06614. For online condolences please visit www.dennisanddarcy.com