Robert Wood Johnson III

Robert Wood Johnson III
Born	September 9, 1920 New Brunswick, New Jersey
Died	December 22, 1970 (aged 50)
Occupation	Businessman
Spouse(s)	Betty Wold Johnson
Children	Robert Wood Johnson IV (b. 1947) Keith Johnson (?-1975) Billy Johnson (?-1975) Elizabeth "Libet" Johnson Christopher Wold Johnson
Parent(s)	Robert Wood Johnson II (1893-1968) Elizabeth Dixon Ross Johnson

Robert Wood "Bobby" Johnson III (September 9, 1920 – December 22, 1970) was an American philanthropist and businessman. He was a grandson of Robert Wood Johnson I (co-founder of Johnson & Johnson).

Early life

Johnson was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey. His father was Robert Wood Johnson II, president and chairman of Johnson & Johnson, and his mother was Elizabeth Dixon Ross Johnson. Johnson grew up an only child.

Career

Johnson worked for Johnson & Johnson from 1941-1965. He was president of J&J from 1961–1965, until his father fired him.^[1] He was succeeded as president by Philip B. Hofmann, the first non-Johnson family member to head the company since 1887.

Johnson also served for ten years on the board of directors of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation as president and vice president.

Personal life

Johnson was married to Betty Wold. They had five children: Robert Wood Johnson IV, Keith Johnson, Billy Johnson, Elizabeth "Libet" Johnson, and Christopher Wold Johnson. In 1975, Keith died of a cocaine overdose, and Billy died in a motorcycle accident.^[1]

In 1970, Johnson died of cancer at the age of 50.^[1]

References

1. Wilson, Duff (November 11, 2004). "Behind the Jets, a Private Man Pushes His Dream". New York Times. Retrieved 2010-02-10. Johnson's father died of cancer at the age of 50 in 1970. And since his grandfather, General Johnson, had died in 1968. ... Two younger brothers died in 1975, Keith from a cocaine overdose and Billy in a motorcycle accident.