Obituary of Robert C. Johnson

DELMAR – Robert C. Johnson, 84, passed away on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at his home, with his wife and family at his side. Bob was born and educated in Albany, the son of the late Clifford T. and Helen B. Johnson. He was the beloved husband of Dolores Rapello Johnson; father of Lauren June (Keith) and Carolyn Ann; and grandfather of Andrew, Kamryn, and Sydney Evans and Shannen and Stephen Squires. He is also survived by Dolores' daughter Mary Gasarowski (Tim) and her children, Shelby and Eric Rider. Bob was predeceased by his former wife June A. Ellers and sister Carol Saykelly (Darrell). Bob honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, aboard the USS Manley for two of those years. He started his career at age 17 working for the NY Telephone Co. (Verizon) for 42 years retiring as Area Operations Manager. He was a member of the Bethlehem Town Board, served as Treasurer and a Sunday school teacher at the Slingerlands Methodist Church for 46 years, and he served as Fire Police and Treasurer of the Elsmere Fire Co. for 18 years. Bob enjoyed community activities and giving back to it, such as Bethlehem Tomboys, Village Volunteers Fife and Drum Corps, volunteer with the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of the Bethlehem Bicentennial and driver for the Bethlehem Senior Van. Bob also was one of the first organizers and contributors of the Christmas Day dinner at the First United Methodist Church and remained active for over 30 years. He was a communicant of Trinity United Methodist Church and served as parking lot treasurer. He also served as trustee and on the finance committee. Bob lived his life as a Christian and to serve others and followed through with each task he took on with much determination, love and friendship to all. He was a loving and supportive father and grandfather. He will be missed by all who knew him. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Applebee Funeral Home, 403 Kenwood Ave., Delmar on Friday, January 25th from 3 to 7 pm. A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 26th at 11 am at Trinity United Methodist Church, corner of Lark and Lancaster Sts., Albany. Burial will follow in Bethlehem Cemetery, Delmar. Anyone wishing to make donations in Bob's memory may send contributions to Elsmere Fire Co., 15 W. Poplar Dr., Delmar, NY 12054 or Trinity Methodist Church, 235 Lark St., Albany, NY 12210.