George Robert (Bob) Johnson Obituary (1928 - 2011)

Brunswick-George Robert (Bob) Johnson, age 82, Senior Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy (Retired) died suddenly at his home on Saturday, April 9, 2011. He was born in Fort Fairfield, ME on September 7, 1928, the son of Grover L. and Hildred Clark Johnson. He attended elementary school in Fort Fairfield and high school in Presque Isle, Maine. He left school to enlist in the U.S. Navy on October 24, 1945 and served twenty-three years, retiring as a senior Chief Petty Officer. He was a Personnelman in the Navy and enjoyed many varied assignments during his career, including those at Stations in Jacksonville, FL, Trinidad B.W.I., Memphis, TN, aboard the U.S.S. Betelaguese, instructing recruits at the Naval Training Center, San Diego, CA, aboard the U.S.S. Yosemite at Newport, RI, at Cargo Handling Battalion One, Williamsburg, VA, and at Naval Air Station, Brunswick, ME. While stationed at Memphis, TN, he met and married YN1 Alice Louse Hart, U.S.N. on March 5, 1949. In 1999, their children hosted their 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration in Brunswick. During his service career, he was awarded the American Theater Campaign Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and 7 Good Conduct Awards. While on active duty, and also following his retirement, he furthered his education, attending the University of NH and the University of Maine, accumulating sufficient credit for an Associate Degree. Following his retirement from the Navy in 1969, he was employed by Auerbach Shoe Co. in Brunswick, and the Maine Department of Manpower Affairs, Unemployment Compensation Division. He was Unemployment Compensation Office Manager in Brunswick when he left state service to care for his son, Cory Ross Johnson. He was a life member of the Brunswick Lodge of Elks #2043 and the American Legion Post 202, Topsham and an active member of the Naval Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 156, since 1975. His interests were reading, following current events, traveling, playing cribbage and other card games with friends, and visiting with his children and grandchildren. He faithfully worked out at NAS Brunswick Gym every day. George Robert was a tremendous help and support to his wife in all of their endeavors. His family meant more to him than words can express. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Alice Hart Johnson of Brunswick, two daughters Connie Jo Seymour and husband Todd of Moretown VT, Kimberly Jane Fien and husband Robert of Floyds Knobs, IN, four sons Michael "J" Johnson and wife Debbie Madaris of Telluride, CO, Mark Robert Johnson and wife Kathryn of McLean, VA, Greg Lindsey Johnson and wife Amy of Durham, ME, and Kevin Kelly Johnson and wife Tara of Maple Valley, WA. Also surviving him are 12 grandchildren, Rachel Reynells and husband Mack, Allison Reilly and husband Mathew all of Moretown, VT, Colin, Hayley and Caitlin Fien all of Floyds Knobs, IN, Brennan Marie and Brooke Leigh Johnson of McLean VA, Harrison and Griffin Johnson of Durham, ME, Brady Durand, Grant Robert and Alice Gayle Johnson all of Maple Valley WA, and 2 great-grandchildren Ella Newell Reynells and Oliver Lincoln Reilly both of Moretown, VT, a sister, Marilyn and brother-in-law Jimmie Blankinship of Harker Heights, TX, brother-in-law Wayne E. Hart of Bellflower, CA, sister-in-laws Winona Speaker of Aztec, NM, and June Becker of Anaheim, CA and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, a son Cory Ross Johnson who died August 26, 1988, a brother Albert A. Johnson, and 2 sister-in-laws Doris Johnson and Ruth Hart. Visiting hours will be from 6-8PM on Thursday, April 14th at Stetson’s Funeral Home, 12 Federal St., Brunswick. A funeral service with full military honors will be held at 11 AM on Friday, April 15th at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 330 Maine St., Brunswick, with the Rev. Rebecca Wegner officiating. A reception will follow at the church. Burial at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Civic Center Drive, Augusta will be held at a later date in the spring. Donations in his memory may be made to the Brunswick Lodge of Elks, 179 Park Row, Brunswick ME 04011, or to the Naval Fleet Reserve Association, Pine Tree Branch 156, PO Box 591, Brunswick, ME 04011. Memorial condolences may be expressed and a video tribute viewed at stetsonsfuneralhome.com