Robert E Johnson

Robert E. Johnson, age 57, of Wayne passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 while receiving care at Lincoln Park LTC and Hospice of NJ.

Robert was born in Ridgewood and was a lifelong resident of Wayne.  He was the middle child of three children to Walter and Barbara Johnson.  At an early age, Robert took an interest in cars and mechanics.  Growing up in Wayne, he was an active participating member of the Wayne Boys Club where he played basketball and a variety of other sports.  Robert attended Wayne Valley High School and graduated with the class of 1982.  During his last couple of years of high school and a few years after graduating, Robert was employed as an auto mechanic at Fran Shultz’ Automotive in Wayne.  In 1986 Robert accepted a position at the Wayne Department of Public works as a mechanic.  Through the years, Robert worked his way up to the position of Senior Repairman and held this position until 2006.  Robert was a truly dedicated son,  living with his mother to help care for her.

Robert loved hockey and throughout his life, he was a truly devoted New York Rangers fan.  He also loved Gardening and grew a wide variety of vegetables and flowers over the years.  Animals were another of Robert’s cherished interests.  He trained dogs, particularly Dobermanns and Pitbulls, some of which made debuts in movies and various commercials on television.  However, Roberts’s greatest passion was fishing.  If Robert could be anywhere in the world, he would be on a fishing boat out at sea.  Rob owned his own fishing boat for many years and treasured the countless fishing trips he made with his friends.  Rob and his friends would take multiday fishing trips out to sea for tuna and other sport fish.  His family has fond memories of their summer vacations spent in Wildwood, NJ and a most memorable family vacation in 1995 when they travelled to Alaska.

Robert enjoyed spending time with people and talking to them. He was opinionated but was also knowledgeable about a wide variety of subjects.  Anyone could have a conversation with Robert about anything.  Rob was also sincerely loved in his neighborhood.  He always went out of his way to help his friends and neighbors, never putting himself first.  Many of the people in the neighborhood would come to him, asking his advice and consulting with him about how to repair something or complete a job or project.  Robert was a very special person who touched the lives of many people.  He will be genuinely missed by everyone that knew him.

Robert is survived by his mother Barbara Johnson of Wayne, NJ one sister, Lynda Johnson of Lincoln Park, NJ one brother, Walter T. Johnson, Jr. of Woodland Park, NJ, his fishing cousin Dennis Johnson of Grandy, NC, and his three best friends; Brian Hurtt, William Taylor, and Michael Nelson.  He was predeceased by his father Walter T. Johnson, Sr. in 1995. He also leaves behind a number of cousins and close  familfriends.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s name may be made to CHA Foundation, c/o Hospice of New Jersey, 400 Broadacres Dr, 1st Floor, Bloomfield, NJ 07003.  http://www.hospiceofnewjersey.com