Mr. Robert Henry Whitman Johnson, Jr., of Norton and formerly of Taunton, died Tuesday, October 15 in the Epoch Senior Healthcare Center, Norton, following a lengthy illness. He was the beloved husband of Edith J. (Unaitis) Johnson. He was born 82 years ago in South Yarmouth, the son of the late Robert H.W. and Marie Alda (Boudreau) Johnson, Sr. He was educated in So. Yarmouth and graduated as a Civil Engineer from Michigan Tech University. He had been a Taunton resident for 55 years before moving to Norton. Prior to his retirement, Robert worked for the Mass. Department of Public Works in Taunton, spending 35 years climbing the ladder of success to attain the position of Chief Engineer for the state of Massachusetts, retiring in 1992. While at the M.D.P.W., his duties included Field Engineer for various state aid and construction projects, real estate appraiser, Maintenance Engineer – District 6, statewide Traffic Maintenance Engineer in charge of signs, traffic signals, lights and pavement markings, District Highway Engineer for District 8, and Chief Engineer in charge of all state highway operational functions from 1986 to 1990. He worked extensively in the area of researching new safety products such as break-away sign posts, high reflective signs and promoting safety in construction work area. Robert represented the M.D.P.W. at the National Transportation Research Board in the Traffic Safety area. A Registered Professional Engineer, he was a member of the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials. Robert also performed surveying in the Taunton area. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, entering the service in 1948, where he served as a Weather Analyst, stationed as the SAC Global Weather Central in Nebraska and at Travis Air Base in California during the Korean War Era. Robert was a member of the Mass. Organization of State Engineers and Scientists (MOSES), an active member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Taunton, was a Marian Medal recipient, and was a former member of Msgr. Coyle Council #82 Knights of Columbus. He was also a Boy Scout leader and was a member of the P.T.A. He enjoyed doing charitable works, gardening and spending time with his family. He was a communicant of St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Taunton.
In addition to his wife, of Norton, he leaves: 3 daughters: Teresa A. Lake and her husband, Alan of DeLand, Fla., Carole J. Pelton and her husband, Craig of Stuart, Fla., and Denise M. Jackson and her husband, Mark of Melbourne, Fla.; 4 sons: Christopher D. Johnson of Taunton, Thomas P. Johnson and his companion, Cheryl David of No. Attleboro, Daniel D. Johnson and his companion, Louise Andrade of Taunton, and Robert A. Johnson and his wife, Rebecca of Newton, N.H.; 2 brothers: Donald C. Johnson of So. Yarmouth and Richard F. Johnson of Virginia; 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Paul L. Johnson of So. Yarmouth.
Funeral services will be held from The Riendeau-Mulvey Funeral Home, 467 Bay Street, Taunton, on Friday, October 18 at 9:00 A.M. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow in St. Jude the Apostle Church at 10:00 A.M. Relatives and friend are invited to attend. Interment will be private. Visiting Hours will be held on Thursday, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Expressions of sympathy in his memory may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 141 Washington St.., Taunton, Ma., 02780.