Our hearts are broken as we announce the passing of Robert E. Johnson, Sr. Bob earned his angel wings on December 26, 2021 following his battle with cancer.
Bob was a loyal and humble man and never hesitated to offer his help to someone in need. Although Bob would always be the first one to offer you assistance, he never expected anything in return. That’s just the kind of man that he was.
Bob graduated from Hackettstown High School before landing a job with First Energy (JCP&L) where he progressed through many positions during his 40 years of service. Bob retired in 2009. During his life, Bob co-owned several businesses in Hackettstown, NJ including Mall Mobile, JMC Auto, and Rent-a-Wreck Auto Rental with Bob Cooke, who was not only his business partner, but his best friend.
Bob is survived by his wife of 21 years, Linda. He is predeceased by his parents, Earl and Violet Johnson and his son, Bobby. Along with a great love for his sister, Eileen (Jim) Mattison, Bob had a deep and fatherly bond with many of his nieces and nephews and their families which was clearly evident to anyone knowing them. Bob will be greatly missed by his niece, Kristine (Mark) Cosgrove and their children Kimberly (Nate) Vanderwerff and Brianna (Brett) Frazier; nephew, Jim (Kate) Mattison, Jr. and their children, Jimmy, Meghan, and Sean; and niece Jacque (Phil) Daczewitz and their children Brooke, Brady, and Bridgette. Bob will also be missed by his great-nephew, Keagan Vanderwerff.
Family was extremely important to Bob and his love for his extended family through marriage was no exception. He was blessed to share his life with his mother-in-law, Helen Nikles; sister-in-law, Carol Nikles and her children Sarah (Matt) Kospiah, Stephanie (Davey), and Donny Sigafoos; brother-in-law Frank (Renee) Nikles; and brother-in-law Allen (Michelle). Bob will also be missed by his great-nieces and nephews: Felicity Kospiah and David and Kayleigh Yukna.
Bob was honored and thrilled when he became Godfather to Felicity Kospiah. He enjoyed watching Felicity grow to be a beautiful, smart, and awesome young woman. He wanted to make sure that she knew how special she was to him and how proud he was to become her Godfather. He, his wife Linda, and Felicity shared many wonderful moments together including playing board games where Mustache Pass was his favorite.
Throughout Bob’s life he kept a deep love for his biological children and always wanted them to know that although life caused many ups and downs his love for them was always strong and never wavered.
Before his death, Bob requested a private burial service. Arrangements are being made by Cochran Funeral Home in Hackettstown, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. Bob’s friends and family are encouraged to share a favorite memory with him or leave a comment below. Please visit www.cochranfuneral.com to leave an online condolence.
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VanderWerff’s says
December 28, 2021 at 4:50 pmWe love you uncle bob!!!
Brianna & Brett Frazier says
December 28, 2021 at 9:01 pmI’ll miss you and your contagious laughter. Thank you for always being there through all the milestones of my life. Our memories together will never be forgotten. We love you, big time Uncle Bobby.
Linda N.Johnson says
December 29, 2021 at 1:48 amI met Bob in 1993. Several years later on December 31 of 2000, I had the pleasure of becoming his wife..Like every couple, we experienced both good and not-so-good times together. I, however, appreciated every single one of our times together. Being in Human Resources all my life, i I acquired the uncanny ability to see through people and see the person as they really are. It was no different with Bob. I saw Bob as a kind man with integrity and honor who would do anything for anyone at anytime. No questions asked. Thank you Bob for allowing me to share life with you for 28 years. I love you and will always love you. All your worries are gone now. May you rest in piece.
Family says
December 29, 2021 at 3:51 amWhen his children did not place his name in Bobby’s obituary, we assumed that’s the way his children wanted it when he passed. He loved his kids and we wanted to include something, so we did. We respected their privacy and eliminated their names in case they were not comfortable with it. Karma? We have tried numerous times over the years to reach out to his kids.
Susan Howell says
December 29, 2021 at 12:54 pmI have had the pleasure of cleaning for Bob and Linda for 25 years. He always greeted me with a kind smile and took the time to chat for a while. I will miss his big smile and his kind, giving spirit. RIP
Sarah Kospiah says
December 29, 2021 at 5:48 pmI am so lucky to have had you in my life and am so grateful you found my Aunt Linda all those years ago. If you hadn’t, I wouldn’t of ever known what a father figure felt like. Thank you for always being there for us. Wish I could hug you one last time. I hope you seen grandpop Nikles up there and let him know we miss and love him very much too! RIH Uncle Bob……….
Michelle Nikles says
December 29, 2021 at 7:56 pmIt seems like yesterday when you and Linda came to our apartment before going on your date. I remember saying to Linda, I think he really likes you. I am so glad you were in our lives. Thank you for all that you did for us through out the years! There are no words to describe how much we will miss you!! Love you forever! Michelle and Allen
Kristine Cosgrove says
December 29, 2021 at 11:24 pmWell I don’t even know where to begin. You were a wonderful godfather to me and have always been there for me and my family. Whatever the task, you always volunteered to help. I still remember the time you helped Mark trim all 30 arborvitaes. I remember all the Christmas Eves we had a your house when we were little and the snowmobiling nights too. No matter what kind of a day you were having you always were there for us! Please drop us signs like Grandma Vi and aunt Ruth do that you are ok. I am sure you are the angel that we all need right now. I love you so much and you will be missed by so many lives you have touched..
Paula Hosking & Scott Schweyher says
December 30, 2021 at 4:36 amI met Bob while he and Linda were dating and was thrilled to be the matron of honor at their wedding. Bob was the blessing of a lifetime to Linda and the true love of her life. He was such a genuinely caring, kind, humble, and sincere soul. Linda and Bob had an amazing bond that deepened with every year that they shared together. They enriched the lives of family and friends, which will forever be known as a part of their legacy. We are heart broken by Bob’s passing and hope that God’s healing love will help to comfort Linda and the family members that loved him dearly. I pray that Linda’s lifetime of memories with Bob will give her the strength to heal and find peace. I believe that life is about recognizing the blessings of others, being grateful for those blessings, and giving back to others. We are grateful for the countless ways that Bob enriched the lives of many and he demonstrated his love for others. Rest in peace, Bob…. you will be forever remembered with the respect which you earned, and love and kindness.
Guy Cartal says
December 31, 2021 at 12:53 amI worked with Bob off and on for 25 years and from the first day I met him until the last day when he retired,he never changed.Always funny,always a great teacher and ball buster! He was like a father figure to me and I’ve missed him greatly.My heart goes out to all.
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