Statement by Kerry Kennedy on the Passing of RFK Human Rights Board Member Phil Johnston

I am stunned and deeply saddened by the passing of our Board member and dear friend, Phil Johnston.

A politically savvy, enthusiastic raconteur and a generous helping hand to anyone in need, Phil will be remembered for his quick wit, problem-solving genius, and huge, loving heart.

He first joined RFK Human Rights as Executive Director. Following his service in the Clinton Administration as the New England Administrator for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, he returned to RFK to serve as Chair of our Board and has been an invaluable, deeply engaged member of our community for decades. In 2005, Phil joined our delegation to the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, helping us raise tens of millions of dollars that funded the creation of 10 new community health centers across three impacted states. This is just one example of his many lasting contributions. Phil’s guidance, humor, and unwavering support will be profoundly missed by everyone at RFKHR.

Phil was immersed in social justice from an early age. As a high school student in Wellesley MA, he protested at the local Woolworth’s lunch counter in support of civil rights. He did not yet have his license, so his mother drove him and joined him in the protest. A few years after graduating from the University of Massachusetts where he was an active student Democrat, he founded the RFK Children’s Action Corps—named for his political hero Sen. Robert F. Kennedy—to support at-risk youth. He proudly served the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the state legislature and as Secretary of Health and Human Services under Governor Michael Dukakis. He also chaired the state Democratic Committee. His belief in accessible, affordable healthcare was the cornerstone of his life’s work.

Phil was a close friend and advisor to three generations of my family. We will forever treasure the twinkle in his eye, his contagious laugh, and his constant efforts to help wherever he could—always going the extra mile and drawing on his vast network to assist with even the most complex challenges.

Phil leaves a huge void, but I know he is already among his pals and heroes, telling a good story and laughing the loudest. We send our love and deepest sympathy to his family: Beverly, Ellen, Bobby, Joanne, and Priscilla and offer our gratitude to them for generously sharing him with his countless friends and colleagues.