Robert S. Johnson, Sr.

Robert (Bob) S. Johnson, Sr., 96 of New Britain passed away peacefully on Friday, August 13, 2021.  He was born on November 3, 1924 in Augusta, Georgia to the late Hilda Nash Martin and Stephen Johnson. He moved to Connecticut at the age of 16 and enlisted in the Army Air Corps 42nd Division.  A proud veteran of WWII, he returned to Connecticut in the early 1940’s where he met the love of his life, Beatrice G. Johnson.

Bob retired from Emhart where he was employed for over thirty years. While working at Emhart, he worked part time at New Britain Memorial Hospital.  Following retirement, he worked part-time for the State of Connecticut Lottery for several years. Bob was a committed volunteer at New Horizons, a live-in facility for the physically challenged. Bob is a founding member of McCullough Temple CME Church where he served as the Chairman of the Trustee Board, member of the Senior and N. B. Brown Choirs.  He is a lifelong member of the Pride of Connecticut Elks Lodge 1437 in New Britain.

Bob and his late wife, Beatrice were married over 53 years and raised four sons: Gregory (Editha) McClary of Flemington, NJ, Robert Jr. (Darlene) of Newington, Stephen (Monica) of Monroe, North Carolina and Rev. Bruce (Lisa) of Hartford.  He leaves to cherish his memory a brother, Billy Martin and grandchildren: Shirley Beatrice, Hassan, Shay, Pauline, Tyeshon, Hayley, Alessandra, and Harrison, nine great grandchildren: Jaeden, Saniah, Serany, Maverick, Halim, Jasmine, Hassan III, Nicholas III and Antoinette and five great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a grandson Gregory McClary, Jr. and by three sisters-in-law Hazel, Lucille, Anna and one brother-in-law Peter.

Affectionately called Big Bob, he was small in stature with a larger than life personality.  He had a big heart and was extremely proud of his family.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Second Baptist Church, 55 Chapman St., New Britain.  The funeral service will follow at 12:00 pm with Pastor Thomas Mills officiating.  Military honors will take place at church following the funeral.  Burial will be at the convenience of the family.  Facemasks are required.