Robert Johnston III

TOWSON, Md. - Robert "Dr. Bob" B. Johnston III, M.D. of Lutherville, Md., passed away peacefully at home on Saturday (July 22, 2023), at the age of 86. He had been diagnosed with renal cell cancer and dementia.
Born in Bradford, in northeast Pennsylvania, Bob graduated from Bradford High School and went on to earn his undergraduate degree in Zoology from Cornell University. After college, Bob served his country as First Lieutenant in the United States Army Medical Service Corps, stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas where he developed a lifetime love of the southwest. He continued his service in the United States Army Reserve until 1965.
Bob received his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine and interned at the University of Florida Medical Center. His residency was completed at Buffalo Children's Hospital specializing in pediatrics. He went on to Albert Einstein School of Medicine in New York where he completed his fellowship in child development and neurology.
"Dr. Bob" began his specialty career in pediatrics at York Hospital in Pennsylvania and then continued on to become Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Subsequently, he was appointed Coordinator of Training at what is now the Kennedy Krieger Institute (1973 to 1986); he was also the Assistant Dean of B.A-M.D. Programs at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (1977-1983). Bob continued his work at York Hospital until his retirement in 2003.
Bob was a well-published author, whose works include Attention Deficits, Learning Disabilities, and Ritalin, (1987) and Learning Disabilities, Medicine, and Myth (1987).
Bob was vital and fit into his retirement. He and his wife Bonnie were active swimmers both in Baltimore and in Delray Beach, Fla., where they spent half the year. Bob earned first place in the National Masters Swimming Championship in 1992.
An accomplished photographer, Bob enjoyed traveling and seeing different parts of the world through his heart and his lens: wildlife in South Africa, lavender fields in France, and the Tuscan light on poppy fields. His most recent photography project was the study of magnolias in all stages of bloom. He shared his photography in several shows.
Bob's love for ice cream and all things chocolate was well known - many of his neighbors paid him in chocolate to take wonderful photographs of their children. But it was his brilliant and quick wit that drew so many to him. "He'd tell a joke and then start laughing in the middle of it which would get the roomful of people roaring. It was hysterical," said a neighbor.
Bob's adoration of his wife of 33 years, Bonnie, was evident in everything he did. Whether it be the photographs he captured of her or the inability to keep focus on a task when she entered the room. Until his last days, Bob was awestruck by the site of his beloved partner.
In addition to Bonnie, Bob is survived by his daughter Laura (Andrew) Muggleton of the Netherlands, and devoted stepsons Stan Ross of Wellington, Fla. and Dannie Ross of Lutherville, Md.; and seven grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Miriam Johnston II; sister, Jan Johnston; and son, Bobby Johnston.
Dr. Bob is remembered fondly by stepsons Stan and Dannie, whom he loved as his own. "What Dr. Bob leaves us with most is his legacy of warmth, kindness, genuine caring and concern for everyone he met," they said.
Friends may visit with the family at Ruck Towson Funeral Home on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, from 10-11:15 a.m. with a brief service immediately following.
Ruck Towson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gilchrist Home Care, Maple Team, 11311 McCormick Road, Ste 350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031 or The Alzheimer's Association, Greater Baltimore Chapter, 502 Washington Ave., Ste 300, Towson MD 21204.