Obituary for Robert F. "Bob" Johnson (APD Ret.)
Robert F. “Bob” Johnson, Retired Auburn Police Chief, 92, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, June 17, 2022, with his loving family by his side.
He leaves his beloved wife of 71 years, Jean L. (Ormsbee) Johnson; his children, Sally A. Dorr and her husband Clifford, of Auburn, Susan J. Wallahora and her husband Richard, of Columbus, North Carolina, Robin J. Polenski and her husband Theodore, of Auburn, Nancy A. Perron and her husband Lee, of Hubbardston, and Robert F. Johnson, Jr. and his wife Patricia, of Harmony, ME; his grandchildren, Eric, Katie, Adam, Kimberly, Brooke, Morgan, Luke, Laura, Michael, and Jon; twelve great-grandchildren; his brothers, Stanley Johnson, of Auburn, and Ronald Stewart, of Beverly Hills, FL; along with many nieces, nephews, lifelong friends and his feline friend, Duffy. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Harold E. Johnson, Sr. and Violet (Borggren) Johnson; and his brother, Harold E. Johnson, Jr.
Bob was born in Worcester and educated through the Auburn school system. In his younger years, Bob worked for his family’s business, Johnson’s Milk and Cream, from 1947 to 1958. He was drafted into the US Army in 1951 during the Korean Conflict and served his country proudly for several years before his honorable discharge as Corporal in the 5th Regimental Combat Team. In 1958, he began his lengthy career with the Auburn Police Department, rising up through the ranks to eventually becoming Chief of Police. During his tenure, he attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia as well as the Command Training Institute. He retired in 1988, serving his community for 30 years.
Bob was a 32 degree Mason affiliated with the Joel H. Prouty Lodge in Auburn.
He enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors: hiking, canoeing, jogging - he ran in the Ocean State Marathon, the Otis Air Base Marathon, as well as two Boston Marathons.
Bob also enjoyed traveling across the country, including four trips to Alaska, in “the motor home” with his beloved wife, Jean, by his side; traveling for 10 years after his retirement.
One of his greatest past times was his oil paintings; many of which will be displayed during calling hours.
Above all else, Bob’s family was his pride and joy. He was a man of strength and great love for his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jimmy Fund, Dana Farber Cancer Institute (https://www.jimmyfund.org/ways-to-give/memorial-and-tribute-gifts/).
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Johnson family between 4 – 7 PM on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central St., Auburn. Service and burial will be held privately.
He leaves his beloved wife of 71 years, Jean L. (Ormsbee) Johnson; his children, Sally A. Dorr and her husband Clifford, of Auburn, Susan J. Wallahora and her husband Richard, of Columbus, North Carolina, Robin J. Polenski and her husband Theodore, of Auburn, Nancy A. Perron and her husband Lee, of Hubbardston, and Robert F. Johnson, Jr. and his wife Patricia, of Harmony, ME; his grandchildren, Eric, Katie, Adam, Kimberly, Brooke, Morgan, Luke, Laura, Michael, and Jon; twelve great-grandchildren; his brothers, Stanley Johnson, of Auburn, and Ronald Stewart, of Beverly Hills, FL; along with many nieces, nephews, lifelong friends and his feline friend, Duffy. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Harold E. Johnson, Sr. and Violet (Borggren) Johnson; and his brother, Harold E. Johnson, Jr.
Bob was born in Worcester and educated through the Auburn school system. In his younger years, Bob worked for his family’s business, Johnson’s Milk and Cream, from 1947 to 1958. He was drafted into the US Army in 1951 during the Korean Conflict and served his country proudly for several years before his honorable discharge as Corporal in the 5th Regimental Combat Team. In 1958, he began his lengthy career with the Auburn Police Department, rising up through the ranks to eventually becoming Chief of Police. During his tenure, he attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia as well as the Command Training Institute. He retired in 1988, serving his community for 30 years.
Bob was a 32 degree Mason affiliated with the Joel H. Prouty Lodge in Auburn.
He enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors: hiking, canoeing, jogging - he ran in the Ocean State Marathon, the Otis Air Base Marathon, as well as two Boston Marathons.
Bob also enjoyed traveling across the country, including four trips to Alaska, in “the motor home” with his beloved wife, Jean, by his side; traveling for 10 years after his retirement.
One of his greatest past times was his oil paintings; many of which will be displayed during calling hours.
Above all else, Bob’s family was his pride and joy. He was a man of strength and great love for his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jimmy Fund, Dana Farber Cancer Institute (https://www.jimmyfund.org/ways-to-give/memorial-and-tribute-gifts/).
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Johnson family between 4 – 7 PM on Thursday, July 7, 2022 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central St., Auburn. Service and burial will be held privately.