Robert H. Johnson
Robert Harold Johnson was born August 1, 1931 in Tamaqua, Pa. to Norman and Grace Fink Johnson. He attended schools in Tamaqua, Pa and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He passed away peacefully in his sleep in Florida on May 16, 2014 from Alzheimer's.
Robert volunteered for a career in the United States Air Force and honorably retired after twenty years on September 30, 1972 as a fighter pilot with the rank of Major. During his career he served tours of duty in Japan, Korea, Ethiopia and two consecutive volunteer combat tours in Vietnam as a forward air controller and earned the Bronze Star for bravery. His Air Force career included positions as flight instructor, test pilot, forward air controller....he particularly enjoyed flying in the aerobatic portions of Armed Forces Day celebrations at various bases where he would be stationed.
After his retirement he flew as a contract pilot with Northrop "Peace Hawk" program and ARAMCO (Arabian American Oil Company) until his retirement to Sarasota, Fla in 1990.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday May 22, 2014 at Toale Brothers Funeral Home - Colonial Chapel, 40 North Orange Avenue, Sarasota with service in chapel at 11:00, followed by reception and refreshments in visiting rooms, 1:30 leave for burial at Sarasota National Cemetery.
Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jeanne V. Johnson, Sarasota.
His cousin Mrs. Marion Elliott and her three children in Susquehanna, Pa., his dog and dearest companion Luke and his friend Magdalena Colomer, Dr. Robert Marc Antonio and staff at Ashton Place, Asst Living Facility.
If an offering is to be extended, in lieu if flowers please forward donations to Sr. M Lucia, Pres Cardinal Mooney High School Scholarship Fund, 4171 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, Fl 34232-1618 or Tidewell Hospice, Vickie Phillips, 1751 Mound Street, Sarasota, Fl 34236.
Robert lived his life to the fullest and all who knew him enjoyed this noble, funny, honorable, humble gentleman who will be missed by all who knew him.