Robert Johnson

Johnson, Robert
Maurice
Sep. 1, 1934 - Aug. 31, 2015
Robert Johnson, known to all as 'Bob', died August 31, 2015, just hours before his 81st birthday. He was an advocate for Sarasota County and the State of Florida. He was a lawyer at the firm of Johnson, Browning and Clayton and a statesman. As a State Representative and Senator, he was a staunch supporter of education and youth, the arts, the environment, and careful fiscal management and planning. He was a distinguished alumnus of both Florida State University and the University of Florida. He was appointed by President Reagan to the National Endowment of the Arts where he served for eight years. He viewed public service as a labor of love.
He was born September 1, 1934 in Barberton, Ohio. As a child of the Depression-era, his family moved frequently and was often without adequate food or shelter. His earliest childhood memories were of severe poverty and constant loyalty to his mother, Mary Elizabeth, as she bravely fought to protect her children. Motivated by a difficult and painful childhood, he desired to make a difference. He viewed public service as an ethical responsibility that he was honored to undertake.
He was a graduate of Florida State University where he was also a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and ROTC. After graduation, he entered the Air Force and attained the rank of Captain. Upon his discharge, he pursued a Master of Divinity degree at Duke University. He moved to Gainesville, Florida to attend Law School at the University of Florida. After graduation, he was offered positions within different law firms in the state of Florida. He decided to accept a position with the law firm of Evans, Thomas and Boylston and has been a member of the Sarasota community ever since his arrival in 1964.
Although he was involved in many organizations and legislative efforts that affected the community, New College, The Ringling Museum and the preservation of the Myakka River were close to his heart. He was instrumental in the establishment of New College as a state university and was a current board member of the Trustees of New College and the New College Foundation. Additionally, he was a steadfast supporter of The Ringling Museum. As a legislator, he was able to gain funding and forge a partnership between the museum and Florida State University for the Arts programs. He loved the outdoors and the natural Florida wilderness. He worked to maintain and preserve the Myakka River for the enjoyment of future generations. He built a cabin on the Myakka River that became a refuge to be with his family and friends.
In addition to being public servant, he was a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Pat and their four children, daughter Jeannene Mironack and her husband Michael, daughter Cecilia Troutt and her husband John, son Michael Lucci and his wife Tracy, and daughter Kathryn Sperber and her husband Kevin. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Audrey, Calvin, Alex, Sarah, Jackie and Adam. His five great grandchildren are Riley, Charlie, Gracie, Felix and Breanna.
Funeral Services will be held September 10, 2015 at 1:30 PM at the Church of the Redeemer. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The New College Foundation, The Ringling Museum, Friends of The Myakka River, The Boys and Girls Clubs of America, or the YMCA.
Toale Brothers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.