Robert "Bob" Johnson

1937 - 2021

Robert "Bob" Johnson

Sarasota - Johnson, Robert "Bob", retired owner of three car dealerships in Upstate New York, passed away on September 2, 2021. Bob was born in Chicago, IL on July 15, 1937. Bob received his Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and Accounting. He has served on three College Boards, Empire State College of New York, Nazareth College of Rochester, New York and Ringling College of Arts and Design. He also served on several Sarasota boards including the Asolo Theatre for 2 years, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe Board and two years as President.

Bob's fascination with airplanes prompted him to join the US Air Force at the age of 17 and at the age of 21, he received an Honorable Discharge. In later years, he received his pilot's license and eventually bought his own airplane. Bob's love of travel had been quite extensive, taking him too many parts of the world.

He established a Robert Johnson's scholarship fund at Ringling College as well as Empire State College. His generous donation to the Sarasota City Parks Foundation provides shade structures to playgrounds. As an appreciation, the parks foundation has Bob's name listed on a plaque in the park.

In 1998, Bob was chosen by TIME Magazine as the 1998 Quality Dealer Award for Business Achievement and Community Service.

He was a past Elder in the First Presbyterian Church and he has Emeritus status in the Sigma PI PHI Fraternity and JAF Men's club.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Benjamin. He is deeply missed by his wife; Barbara, son; Craig, daughter; Laura (Myron) Barnett, two sisters; Velma Ponds and Marlene Johnson, a host of grand and great grandchildren, nieces and three stepchildren.

At the request of the family, services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations preferred to Tidewell Hospice Inc., 5955 Rand Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34238