Robert Lawrence Johnson, Sr., age 86, a resident of Riviera Beach for 55 years, and formerly of Baltimore, died on January 21, 2013 at his home after battling Leukemia for two years.

He was born on January 1, 1927, in Baltimore, to the late Hazel and Elmer Johnson. After attending Southern High School, he served for two years in the US Navy during WWII, active in the American and Pacific Theaters of operations. After the war, he returned home to serve as a firefighter for 35 years in the Baltimore City Fire Department. He enjoyed oil painting, crabbing and fishing, boxing, metal detecting, and spending time with his family.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years: Jane Ellen Johnson, his son Bob Johnson, Jr., and his sister Doris Cox.

He is survived by his two daughters: Ruth Taylor and her husband Bill, and JoAnn “Missy” Sien and her husband Jerry; his brother Edward E. Johnson and his wife Helen; two granddaughters: Kimberly and Rebekah; three grandsons: John, Robert, III, and Jarrod, and three great grandchildren.

Family invites friends to visit at the Gregory J. Gonce Funeral Home, PA, 169 Riviera Drive, Pasadena, on Friday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 PM. His funeral service will commence at 12 Noon on Saturday at the funeral home, with entombment to follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. Feel free to express your condolences here as well.