Robert Emmet (Bob) Johnson

Robert Emmet (Bob) Johnson 94 of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, returned to his Heavenly Father on July 18, 2023. He was married to Cecile (Paquin) Johnson on May 24, 1952, and was blessed to celebrate their 71st anniversary before his passing. Robert and his twin were born in Manhattan, NY on September 30, 1928, to David L. Johnson and Florence (Mahony) Johnson.

He was educated at PS 189 in NYC, Cranston Public schools, New England Tech, and the School of Radio and Television Broadcasting in NYC, New York. Bob also trained as a jockey prior to his enlistment into the navy.

Robert was a proud veteran of WWII and the Korean War. During the Second World War, he was assigned to a 16-week research project known as Room 10. The room was kept at a steady 120 degrees to test possible stressors to which sailors might be subjected.

Following a six-year naval career primarily as Bos’ns mate on the USS Kula Gulf (CVE-108), he began his long TV career, first at WJAR-TV, then for forty-one years with WPRO-TV/WPRI-TV.

Robert retired to Florida to work as a Cast Member Boat Pilot for six years at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. He also volunteered, with his wife Cecile, at Give Kids the World in Kissimmee, FL. In his retirement, He organized group travel to several locales.

A prolific inventor, Bob held several patents. If he had a need, or he thought his children would enjoy a new toy, he would invent it. Bob and Cecile created marionettes and a dummy that were featured on his TV show: The Palace of Fun.

Bob was a man with unwavering faith in God and Jesus Christ. He never missed an opportunity to lector at his local church and prayed the rosary with his wife from their wedding day on.

In addition to his wife Cecile, he is survived by five children: Dwight Johnson (Theresa) of Cherry Hill, NJ; Cheryl-Anne Openshaw (Nicholas) of Exeter, RI; Lynne Nneji (Emi), of Worcester, MA; David Johnson (Kyle), of Cranston, RI; and Karen Metz (Henry), of Goffstown, NH. Bob is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Aimee Olivier, April (Ovian) Ballou, Mason Ovian, Jonathan Olivier, Haley Metz, Harrison Metz, Samantha Metz, a great-grandson, Wyatt Ballou, and one sister, Gloria Taylor of Warwick, RI. He was predeceased by his son Glenn Eric Johnson and his siblings, Florence Schneider, Marie Arsenault, and Bernard (Johnny) Johnson.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Thursday, July 27th from 4 to 7 PM at the Rebello Funeral Home, 901 Broadway, East Providence, RI.

His funeral will be held on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 8:30am from the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 984 Taunton Avenue,Seekonk,MA.

Burial with Military Honors will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 550 Wampanoag Trail, East Providence, RI.

Please omit flowers.

www.rebellofuneralhome.com