ROBERT W. JOHNSON
Smithfield, PA

Robert W. Johnson 76, of Smithfield PA, fondly known by many as “Buck,” passed away
Thursday, May 23, 2024, after spending the week with his family in hospice care at Mon
Health Medical Center. Robert was born in Brownsville, PA on February 24, 1948.

He was predeceased by his mother, Stella Stepien Johnson, his father, William Johnson,
his stepmother Jane Johnson, and a stepbrother Ronald Miller.

Robert was a graduate of the Albert Gallatin High School Class of 1966.

Robert was a Corporal in the United States Army. He served as a Military Policeman in
Vietnam, stationed at Cam Ran Bay.

He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Mining Technology.
Robert was a Coal Mine Production Foreman for 42 years. He took great pride in the
quality of work completed in his section. He was well respected by those who worked
for him. He served on the competition mine rescue team for USS.

Robert worked for United States Steel from 1967 through 1995. He worked at Robena
Mine, Cumberland Mine, and Maple Creek Mine. The closing of Maple Creek, led him to
his employment with RAG Emerald Resources 1995 -2009 at Emerald Mine in
Waynesburg, PA. On September 8, 2009, he suffered permanently disabling injuries as
a result of a large roof collapse within the mine. He never recovered from this accident.

Robert was very active in his community as well. He was a WPIAL basketball official
and he served with the Smithfield Ambulance Corp as an EMT. Many days after
working a full shift in the coal mine, he would spend the night making multiple
ambulance runs.

Bob was an amazing and supportive father. Through the 1970’s and 80’s, he coached
the Smithfield Little League Team the A’s and was an officer for Smithfield Little League.
He was one of the organizers of the Albert Gallatin Elementary Basketball League and
the president of the Smithfield Elementary Basketball program. He coached the
Smithfield Elementary Stompers Basketball teams that his son Jeff and nephew Bobby
played on. Not only did he leave a lasting impact on his son and nephew, he also left an
impact on the many young boys he coached.

Bob appreciated the beauty of horses. He shared his adoration for horses with his
children and grandchildren. His family will hold special memories of him spending hours
in the barn with horses or on his Kubota Tractor. He always had a barn full of horses,
but two of his special ones were an Appaloosa named Rusty and a blue-eyed Paint
named Comanche.

He was a physical fitness enthusiast and enjoyed running and weight-lifting.

Robert was an exceptional father and Pappy. Helping to instill good morals and his
outstanding work ethic, he showed support for each of his children and grandchildren,
ensuring they had the opportunity to pursue all endeavors and passions.
Survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 54 years, Susan. She worked
tirelessly to advocate for Robert and his extensive health care needs for the past 14
years.

Also survived by his children Jeffrey, Laura and husband John, and Kara and husband
Shawn. Five grandchildren; Lindsay and fiancé Elijah, Lauren, Sarah, Samuel, and
Adam. A beloved brother, Edward Johnson and wife Karen, nephew Mark Johnson and
wife Lori and great nephew and niece Mitchell and Lila, Sister and Brother-in-Law,
Bonnie and Robert Campbell, and nephew Robert Campbell Jr., and close family friends
Seth and Mia.

Flowers are welcome. However, donations to Tunnel To Towers Foundation can be
made in memory of Robert at T2T.ORG.

Family and friends will be received at the John S. Maykuth Jr. Funeral Home, 7 River Avenue. Masontown, PA on Wednesday, May 29th from 2 until 8 p.m. and Thursday, May 30th from 9 until 10 a.m. the hour of Service in the funeral home chapel. Military Honors will be accorded by Masontown VFW Post 4584 and American Legion Post 423 at Jacobs Luthern Cemetery, Masontown, PA.