Robert “Bob” Johnston, Jr.

Robert “Bob” Johnston, Jr., age 78 of Dover, DE., formerly of Newark DE Airlifted nearly 50 miles to Christiana Critical ICU, passed away 10 days later on Thursday, August 07, 2025.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA. October 24, 1946, the son of the late Robert and Alma (Schultz).  He graduated from Scott High School, Braddock, PA.  His occupation was in the printing industry, Union Switch & Signal in Swissvale, PA.  He spent 23 years printing blueprints of RR crossing devices, still in use today.  During those years, in his off hours, he performed wedding photography for friends and family.  He also acquired a real estate license to help friends secure good homes at reasonable prices.

Moving to Christiana, Delaware in 1987 to continue his printing career, when he joined the University of Delaware Graphic Communications department; witnessing many industry changes, until his retirement 24 years later, in 2013; where he enjoyed many years with great coworkers.

Bob enjoyed golf, tv sports, music events, fishing and boating while traveling to creeks, rivers, lakes, bays and the ocean.  He fondly enjoyed sitting to listen and watch rainfall naming the event “porch-worthy”.  He remembered nearly every commercial jingle broadcast and gladly shared his memories.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Lois Steins and her husband George Steins.  He is survived by his loving wife, “Bonnie” Lavonne, a blind date in the summer before her senior year of high school, sealed the great blessing of a Christian bond- married 57 years.   He had great pride and joy with fatherhood and truly appreciated the blessing of grandchildren. He is truly missed by his son, Mark and daughter-in-law, Christina along with Granddaughters, Juliana and Lillian. Other family members that grieve his passing are his sisters-in-law, Janene Zandier Kelly and Karen Krinsky; also, niece and nephews, Ed Steins, Bill Steins and Lisa Albelda; Craig and Erik Zandier and cousins.

Bob treasured his 35 years in Newark in service at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 10 Johnson Rd. Newark, DE., where he held position of Council President for decades.  Upon moving to Verona Woods 55+ in Dover, De.  Attended worship at St. John’s Lutheran Church 113 Lotus St. Dover, DE.

A Celebration of Life with be conducted at both churches.

Newark will celebrate on his birthday, Friday, Oct.24 at 1pm.

Dover will celebrate the following afternoon, Saturday, Oct. 25 at 1pm. No formal suits are necessary; Bob would have appreciated everyone in Hawaiian shirts.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to either church.