Richard Johnson Sr

Richard “Dick” Edwin Johnson Sr., passed away on Monday, June 11, 2012 at Mallard Bay Care Center, Cambridge, MD. He was born April 27, 1933 to Edwin and Marjorie Johnson in Lakewood, New Jersey. He graduated from Lakewood High School and Monmouth College. Dick was well known for his talents as a basketball and football player. He enlisted in the U. S. Army where he served his country in Germany.
In 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Patricia Donohue. They raised their two children, Patricia and Richard, in Lakehurst, New Jersey. In 1989, he and Mary Pat moved to Medford, New Jersey where they spent most of their retirement. The Eastern Shore of Maryland became their home in 2004 when they wanted to be closer to children and grandchildren.
Dick worked for New Jersey Bell and eventually retired from Lucent Technology after 35 years of service. He was known for his reliability and work ethic. In his retirement, he loved reading, skiing and enjoying his family.
Dick was also involved in his community. He was a member of the Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Company and Rotary Club. He was also President of St. John's Holy Name Society. In later years, he volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and St. Mary’s Catholic School in Medford, New Jersey. His steadfast, calm nature and quick sense of humor endeared him to everyone. He loved to tease with a “play on words” and a straight face.
His greatest joy was his family. His wife, Mary Pat, has been by his side for 56 years, with love and caring especially over the past few years as he failed from dementia. His daughter, Pat Johnson and her special friend Edward Robbins were faithful and loving to his needs. His son, Richard Johnson, with his wife Jeanne were true joys to him. He loved being with his grandsons, Richard “Trey” and Raymond Johnson whether it was a trip to North Carolina or a simple game of Uno. His three step grandchildren were like his own: Lucas, Jacob (deceased) and Gabrielle Mobley. He was a wonderful father and grandfather.
He is also survived by his brother, John Johnson and his wife Arlene of Allentown, New Jersey. He had many special cousins, nieces, nephews and friends including Margie Housen, Jim Gifford, Robert and Carol Cameron, Bart and Jane Donohue, Pat Donohue, Mike, John and Kathy Donohue and Kathy Placek. His special friend, Cali Marsh, eased his days with her beautiful smile and kind touch.
A funeral mass service will be held on June 14, 2012 at Our Lady Of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Secretary, MD., beginning 10:30 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to service. Officiating at the service will be Rev. Stephen Lonek and Rev. Jack Mason. Interment will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Tom’s River, New Jersey on Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to Habitat for Humanity Choptank, 29350 Maple Ave., Trappe, MD 21673, Signature HealthCare at Mallard Bay Activities, 520 Glenburn Ave., Cambridge, MD 21613 or the Alzheimers Association Eastern Shore Chapter, 909 Progress Circle, Suite 400, Salisbury, MD 21804 in Dick’s memory.
Arrangements are entrusted to Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, P.A., Cambridge, MD.
To send online condolences, please visit www.newcombcollins.com