Robert Johnson

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Robert Thomas Johnson, 71, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Bob was born in Syracuse, NY, son of the late Robert Melville Johnson and Mary Beryl Reynolds Johnson.

Growing up, Bob loved summers with his family on Oneida Lake, where he developed a love for fishing, sailing, and most water/ice sports. It was also during this time that golf grew from a hobby to his passion, playing in leagues across Central New York and later in Aiken, culminating in his proudest athletic achievement: a hole in one at LaFayette Country Club in Syracuse. When not outside, Bob most enjoyed watching the Bills and Eagles (Go Birds!), and in support of his wife, he never missed a televised UCLA men’s and women’s basketball game. At home, he was known as the family’s “chief cook,” especially for his signature breakfast sandwiches and savory chicken squares.

Above all, Bob’s greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren. He treasured every moment spent playing, exploring, and laughing with them. Bob loved being at the playground with Elliott, holding him in his lap on the slide and chasing him up and down narrow passageways at the indoor playground, making sure he didn’t lose pieces of clothing in the process.

He shared 43 wonderful years of marriage and 2 incorrect marriage certificates with the love of his life, Margie Markson Johnson. Together, they built a life full of travel and memories, with family trips to Cape Cod and the Adirondacks, and later Boston, Dallas, Florida, California, Hilton Head, Israel and, most recently, England. After a lifetime living in Syracuse, the ice and snow finally drove them south to Aiken, SC, where Bob reconnected with old friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Margie Markson Johnson; his sons, Joshua Johnson of Boston, MA, and Kyle (Ashley) Johnson of Dallas, TX; his grandchildren, Elliott Troy Johnson and Sophie Claire Johnson; his sister, Barbara (Thomas) Statkewicz of Larkspur, CO; sisters-in-law, Melissa Ellsworth and Dr. Samia Markson; as well as several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Dr. Jonathan Markson.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM, with a Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM, Friday, May 8, 2026, at Shellhouse Funeral Home. A reception will follow.

The service will be livestreamed at https://iframe.dacast.com/b/156599/c/585055

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation (www.christopherreeve.org).