Smithfield Robert W. Johnson, 76, of Smithfield, fondly known by many as “Buck,” passed away Thursday, May 23, 2024, after spending the week with his family in hospice care at Mon Health Medical Center. Robert was born February 24, 1948, in Brownsville.
He was predeceased by his mother, Stella Stepien Johnson; his father, William Johnson; his stepmother, Jane Johnson; and a stepbrother, Ronald Miller. Robert was a graduate of Albert Gallatin High School Class of 1966. Robert was a Corporal in the United States Army.
He served as a Military Policeman in Vietnam, stationed at Cam Ran Bay. He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in mining technology. Robert was a coal mine production foreman for 42 years.
He took great pride in the quality of work completed in his section. He was well respected by those who worked for him. He served on the competition mine rescue team for USS.
Robert worked for United States Steel from 1967 through 1995. He worked at Robena Mine, Cumberland Mine, and Maple Creek Mine. The closing of Maple Creek led him to his employment with RAG Emerald Resources 1995 -2009 at Emerald Mine in Waynesburg.
On September 8, 2009, he suffered permanently disabling injuries as a result of a large roof collapse within the mine. He never recovered from this accident. Robert was very active in his community as well.
He was a WPIAL basketball official and he served with the Smithfield Ambulance Corp as an EMT. Many days after working a full shift in the .
