Robert M. Johnson Robert M. Johnson, 77, of Hopewell Township died at his home early Sunday morning, Oct. 16, 2011 at 2 oÕclock. Born in Bridgeton, Mr. Johnson was a lifelong resident of the Bridgeton area. He was son of the late George F. Sr. and Hilda Mae (nee Goff) Johnson. The husband of Patricia A. (nee Smith) Johnson, the Johnsons had been married for 54 years. Robert attended Bank Street School where he was captain of the Safety Patrol and captain of his undefeated basketball team. At an early age, he worked at the A&P store in Bridgeton and helped older people with their groceries and also took care of the shopping carts. At the age of 13, he joined the Boy Scouts of America as a member of Troop #1. In his first year, he received a trophy as the outstanding scout in the city of Bridgeton. Thus began a 54 year career of devotion by Mr. Johnson to the Boy Scouts of America. In 1949, he attended the National Jamboree in Valley Forge, Pa., and received his admission to the Order of the Arrow. Robert attended Bridgeton High School where he excelled as a varsity football player. In his senior year he received a football scholarship to attend the Valley Forge Military Academy. While at Valley Forge he was chosen to be a member of the Honor Guard and was also selected as Outstanding Plebe in Infantry Company B. He received the Anthony Wayne Legion Award, which is the highest award presented to a new cadet. He served in the United States Army in 1957 and later served as a reservist for several years. In 1954 he joined the NJ Bell Telephone Company as a lineman. He became a "splicer" and in 1969 was promoted to splicing foreman. He received the "Good Citizen Award" by NJ Bell in 1970. He also worked in New York; assisting management with operations there. He retired as a manager of the Southern State Installation and Maintenance in Williamstown. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. Mr. Johnson served as a member of the Hopewell Township Zoning Board for 18 years. He served as their secretary and also as chairman. Several years ago he was a member of the Bridgeton Jaycees where he held the offices of treasurer and president. Bob was a member of the Troop Committee for Boy Scout Troop #1 for the past several years and had been a member of the West Park United Methodist Church. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters and their families, Susan Homan and her husband, James of Hopewell Township and Cheryl English and her husband Marion "Beaker" of Aldine; and four grandchildren, Robert, Michael, Mandi English and Aimee Homan. Mr. Johnson was predeceased by a daughter, Debra Ann Johnson in 1965. Cremation took place at the Laurel Lawn Crematory and burial will be private in the family lot at Overlook Cemetery in Bridgeton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Troop #1, BSA, c/o Bruce Hankins, 138 Beebe Run Road, Bridgeton, NJ 08302 or to SJ Healthcare-Hospice Care, P.O. Box 160, Bridgeton, NJ 08302. Written condolences and tributes to the Johnson family may be expressed through the funeral home website, freitagfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the FREITAG FUNERAL HOME of Bridgeton.