Obituary of John Robert Johnson

Dr. J. Robert Johnson, 79, died Saturday May 14, 2016 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City. He was born in Jamestown, New York on August 26, 1936, the son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Robert Johnson of Frewsburg, New York. He graduated from Frewsburg High School (1954), SUNY Cortland (BS 1958), Syracuse University (MS 1966, PhD 1975) and spent over 50 years as an educator in public and higher education. He served in the U.S. Army in 1960-61, stationed in Paris, France at SHAPE Headquarters a NATO command where he held top secret clearance. Bob is survived by his wife, Maureen, the former Maureen Peterson of Warren, Pennsylvania. They were married for 53 years. They have a son, Dr. Jeffrey Johnson and daughter-in-law Yumin Wang of Bridgeport, Connecticut. Their daughter, Kristin Woodlock and son-in-law David Woodlock of New York City and Monroe, New York , grandsons Alex Riley of Bridgeport, Connecticut and Nick Riley of Ballston Lake, New York and step-grandchildren Dave Woodlock, Kate Woodlock, Maggie Woodlock and Emma Perkins. He is also survived by his Mother-in-law Caryl Swald. As Bob's educational career moved from teacher, vice principal, principal, assistant superintendent and eventually Superintendent of Schools, the family relocated 18 different times leading an adventurous, challenging and yet fulfilling lifestyle. Bob retired in 1993 from the Phoenix (NY) Central Schools but retirement for Bob simply meant redirecting his energies to other pursuits which included four interim superintendence's, nearly five years at Onondaga Community College and another ten years at SUNY Cortland where he acted as a consultant, interim department chair and academic tutor for male and female athletes. Working for his Alma Mater was especially satisfying for Bob and his way of giving back to the College that gave him a start as a teacher. He and his wife Maureen gave a number of scholarships and financial gifts to deserving students and programs during his years on faculty. After college he played AAU, military and semi-pro basketball over a twenty year span. His most productive year was in Europe where he led the French league in scoring, was named to the France all-star team and chosen to play in the European U.S. Air Force Tournament in Adana, Turkey. In his later years, Bob was a 30+ year member of Gold's Gym and an avid golfer. Bob was active in a variety of organizations over the years, including a lifetime retired member of the NYS Council of Superintendents and charter member of the SUSSA, the SU Superintendent's Association started by his SU Mentor, Dr. James Manwaring. A 30 year member of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Liverpool, New York where he was president of the church council and parish/staff relations committee. He and Maureen are currently members of the First Presbyterian Church in Goshen, NY, where Bob was an elder. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Goshen, NY at 3:30pm on Saturday May 21, 2016. Friends and family wishing to visit with Maureen and her children and grandchildren will be welcomed at the Church Fellowship Hall between 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm and at a reception in the Church Fellowship Hall following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Youth Development Programs, First Presbyterian Church, 33 Park Place, Goshen, New York 10924 Arrangements under the care of the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., Goshen. www.donovanfunerals.com