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CAPT. W. Robert Johnson II, USN (Ret.), age 90, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025, in Bethesda, Maryland. Born on March 15, 1935, in Dodge City, Kansas, he led a life distinguished by service to his country and a deep devotion to music.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, in 1957. Following graduation, he entered the United States Navy and completed Officer Candidate School in 1958. His naval assignments included the Naval Communications Station in Guam (1958-1960), service aboard the USS Northampton (1960-1962), and study at the Defense Language Institute in Washington, DC, where he earned a Certificate in Chinese in 1965. From 1966 to 1969, he was stationed in Okinawa. He achieved the rank of Navy Captain in 1986.
Following his military service, Bob spent 28 years at the National Security Agency, retiring in 1998. His tenure there reflected both professional dedication and a vibrant engagement with the agency's cultural life.
A lifelong choral musician and conductor, Bob led numerous choirs throughout his military and civilian life. He conducted the Headquarters Chapel Choir in Guam, organized a ship's choir aboard the USS Northampton, and served as Music Director at Sukiran Post Chapel in Okinawa. He founded and conducted the Parkway Chorale at NSA for 25 years and led the New Century Singers from 1975 to 2006. From 2009 until his passing, he directed the NIH Community Chorus and also led the Asbury Methodist Village Encore Chorale from 2013 to 2017. He sang with the Cathedral Choral Society for 28 years, served on its Board for 16 years—including a term as President—and received its Medal of Merit. He also held leadership roles within the American Choral Directors Association.
He is survived by his wife Martha; stepdaughters Victoria Hutchen (John) and Elizabeth Westin (Roberto Ayala); grandchildren Taylor, Charlie, Connor, and Micah; sister Barbara Isley; nephew Jonathan Bell; and nieces Rebecca Bell Bradley and Laura Bell. He was preceded in death by his parents Lyman and Sarah Elise Johnson; sister Margaret Elizabeth "Peggi" Bell; and son Christopher.
A Memorial Service will be held on March 14, 2026, at St. John's Episcopal Church, 6701 Wisconsin Ave. The service will feature choral music in tribute to Bob's enduring love of singing and conducting.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire harmony among all who sing together.