OBIT: Robert G. Johnson (Kittanning)
Robert G. Johnson, 78, of Kittanning, passed away Monday, June 29, 2015 at Forbes Regional Hospital in Monroeville.
He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on August 7, 1936, the son of Daniel and Astrid (Bergskaug) Johnson.
Robert graduated from Cliffside Park High School in New Jersey and then honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He then furthered his education by receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from St. Peter’s College of Jersey City, NJ, his Master’s Degree from Purdue University of Lafayette, Ind., and a PhD in English from Bowling Green State University of Ohio.
Dr. Johnson was a resident of the Kittanning area since 1971 and was employed for 27 years as an English professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania until his retirement in 1998.
He previously was employed as a professor at both the University of Victoria in British Columbia and the Community College of Moses Lake, Wash.
Robert served on the Board of Directors of the Kittanning Public Library since 1973 and held the office of Vice President. He had also served as a trustee of HAVIN, Inc. of Kittanning, and was a member of the BPOE Elks Lodge of Kittanning.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his two daughters: Elizabeth G. Bivens and husband, Gregory of Delmont, and Anne M. Jacques and husband, Thomas of Pittsburgh; two step-sons: William M. Ash III and wife, Lisa of Largo, Fla., and Michael F. Ash and wife, Elaine of Forest Hills; and nine grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Marlene Martin Johnson who died September 10, 1981; his second wife, Noreen O’Connell Ash-Johnson who died October 2, 2001; and a brother, Richard N. Johnson.
At Robert’s request, a private memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Bauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Kittanning.
Memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s honor to the Orphans of the Storm, PO Box 838, Kittanning, PA, 16201, National Wildlife Federation, PO Box 1583, Merrifield, VA 22116, or American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
To express online condolences to the Robert’s family visit: www.bauerfuneral.com
Obituaries | funerals July 1, 2015
