SOUTHWICK – Robert K. Johnson, aged 64, passed away on November 8th after a long and valiant battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).
Bob was born on June 8th, 1961, to Kenneth and the late Elizabeth (Tysz) Johnson. He was married to the late Diane (Wojcek) Johnson for 25 years and survived by his son Fred Johnson, father Ken, brother Mike and sisters Donna and Pat. He leaves lots of fun-filled memories with his extended family of in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, coworkers, fellow service members and lifelong friends. Bob was a lifelong resident of Southwick Massachusetts. He will always be remembered as a hard worker, family man and the life of the party.
As a 1979 graduate of Southwick High School, he went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Arboriculture from UMass Stockbridge and a BS in Business from Westfield State College.
Bob’s love of agriculture and dedication to service was evident in all that he enjoyed and worked for in life. He started his career in agriculture at Adam’s Nursery in Westfield and then went on to start his own business of Tomahawk Landscape Management in 1985. Bob was proud of his years of appointed and elected service to the town of Southwick Housing Authority, Planning Board and Water Commission. From 2016 until 2021, Bob worked as the Director of Maintenance of Facilities and Parks for the Town of Southwick. In his dedication to his country, Bob retired in 2002 with 21 years of proud service as Master Sergeant of the Munition’s Unit at the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes National Guard Base. Bob enjoyed playing and watching all types of sports, especially soccer, basketball, golf and football and was a big fan of the New England Patriots. Living at the family farm in Southwick most of his life, he enjoyed gardening, raising chickens and walking the property with his cats. The family wishes to thank the staff of Heritage Woods, Golden Years Home Health, Beacon Hospice and Veterans Administration for providing such wonderful compassionate care and support for Bob and his family while he battled PSP.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 12:00 Noon-3:00 P.M., Saturday, November 15th, 2025, at Southwick Forastiere Funeral & Cremation, 624 College Highway, Southwick. A funeral home service will follow at 3:00 P.M. and conclude with United States Air Force Honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s name may be made directly to The Stanely Park of Westfield, 400 Western Avenue, Westfield, MA 01085: or online at Stanley Park of Westfield https://www.stanleypark.org. www.forastiere.com
