Philip R. Johnson

Philip (Phil) Robert Johnson, a cherished husband, father and grandfather, fell asleep in the Lord unexpectedly. Phil was the oldest child of Leonard and Zella Johnson. He was preceded in death by first wife, Geraldine (Jeri) Anne and his parents Leonard and Zella. He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Kathleen (Kathy), son Philip Hoss (Jill), daughter, Mary Hanna, (Scott), sisters Linda and Josephine (Josie) his pride and joy - grandchildren Julianne and Hunter and several dear nieces, nephews and cousins. After studying mechanical engineering for a year at the University of Wisconsin, Phil transferred to The Ohio State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. Well into his career, he enrolled at Columbus State Community College and completed the Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) course with Honors. Phil was a member of the American Institute of Architects, the International Facility Management Association, the American Hospital Association and the National Fire Protection Association. He served on the Franklinton Board of Trade and the Franklinton Area Development Corporation. He received a Mayoral appointment to the Franklinton Area Commission where he served on their Zoning Committee and as Treasurer and was appointed to the Franklinton Floodwall Task Force by State Representative Mike Stinziano (senior). Throughout his career, Phil practiced architecture at several design firms including Urban & Calabretta, Lajos Szabo, Ireland & Associates and was the Director of Architecture at the Columbus office of the prominent, multi-national firm, NBBJ. He served as the Vice President of Facilities and Planning for Mount Carmel Health System where he was responsible for facility planning and the development of three major hospitals, numerous medical office buildings and outpatient facilities. In 1992, he opened his own practice where he provided architectural services and served local communities and municipalities as the Chief Building Official and Certified Plans Examiner for over 30 years. Phil’s creativity and breadth of knowledge were apparent in the diversity of his projects - 55 on the Boulevard restaurant, Trouville condominium complex, The Hughes Center for Family Life at the Buckeye Boys Ranch, the renovation of America’s oldest Harley-Davidson dealership to include an ice cream parlor, the A.D. Farrow Company Museum and a new Harley Davidson East Store. His professionalism and attention to detail were acknowledged with numerous regional and local design awards. He designed the existing deck and outside staircase for St. Gregory of Nyssa Orthodox Church and was currently working with the Church’s Building Committee to explore options for the expansion of the Church. Phil was an Eagle Scout and lived by its motto of always being prepared. He enjoyed alpine skiing with his family, fishing, music, history and the lake life. He loved to sail and often raced his sailboat (Interlake). He was a gifted designer and craftsman and enjoyed building things in his workshop. His breadth of knowledge and architectural background enabled him to address daily household issues. He was always willing to offer help and provide practical and cost-effective suggestions to family and friends. Phil was a caring and kind man, with a great sense of humor and a love for his family. He was quite the storyteller and was renowned for his vivid imagination. He accomplished his life dream of designing and building a lake house. There are many fond memories of taking his family boating and teaching his grandchildren to water ski. Pancake breakfasts were one of his favorite events and he enjoyed teaching his grandchildren, nieces and nephews how to make pancakes. His ability to nurture and interact with children was exemplified by involving his niece and nephew in the process. They would each contribute one egg for the batter. On Saturday, March 1, 2025 visitors will be received at the Rutherford Corbin Funeral Home at 515 High Street Worthington, Ohio 43085 from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, followed by a service at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Gregory of Nyssa Orthodox Church Building Fund at P.O. Box 14932 Columbus, Ohio 43214-0932 or at https://stgregoryofnyssa.churchtrac.com/sign-in

Philip R. Johnson

March 28, 1939 - February 20, 2025