Richard James Johnson

On July 31, 2022, Richard J. Johnson, loving and devoted husband of Betty C. Johnson and father of Sharon K. Huggins, entered into the loving arms of His Savior at the age of 92.

He was born on July 25, 1930 on his family's farm, on the outskirts of Harrisburg, PA to Grace Heller & Hocker E. Johnson. He met Betty at the age of 16 and they were married 6 years later. He never wavered in his faithful loving devotion to her over the 68 years of their marriage.

During high school, Richard joined the Marine Reserves. Subsequently, he was stationed at Camp Lejeune and called to active duty in 1949 to serve in the Mediterranean until he was honorably discharged as a Sargent in 1952.

He received his Associate Engineering degree from Penn State in 1957 and was hired immediately by Amp Inc., where he remained a successful and well-respected employee until 1970. At that time he furthered his education and began what would be 50 years of employment for the Union Central Life Insurance Company. He went above and beyond in every circumstance for the wellbeing of all his clients and their families. His great compassion and love for people overflowed as he sacrificially gave of his time and wise counsel for many generations. He was awarded Salesman of the Year time and time again, but he humbly described his happiness as stemming from interacting with all his clients.

He had many activities which he enjoyed greatly. Some of them included fishing, PSU football, and a Gourmet Club that he and Betty participated in with their closest friends for over a decade. His love of photography and reading was passed to his daughter, and subsequently his grandchildren. He enjoyed many genres of music, especially Jazz, Hymn, and the Harrisburg Symphony. He and his wife shared a love for traveling, fine dining, and enjoying God's Creation. He was known for his overflowing generosity, kind yet silly jokes, infectious laughter, and great compassion.

He served with a multitude of organizations that were charity based. He enjoyed being actively involved with the Jaycees and the Harrisburg Life Underwriters Association. He held the title of Program Director of the Chartier Club, a local professional businessmen’s organization that supported community needs. He was an exceptional leader because of his willingness to serve, especially within his family. Throughout his lifetime, the titles he chose to define himself most by were: child of God, husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Carpenter Johnson; a daughter, Sharon Huggins and her husband, Russell; grandchildren, Nathaniel and his wife, Jacqueline, Christian, Ian, Benjamin, and Selah; and his second cousin by marriage, Virginia Hutting.

A public funeral service will be held at 1:30PM on Monday, August 8, 2022 at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland. A public viewing will be held from 12:30PM until services begin in the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow in Rolling Green Cemetery, Camp Hill.

Flowers are welcome, as are contribution’s made in Richard’s name to an organization he held near and dear: God’s Pit Crew, 2499 N. Main Street, Danville, VA 24540, or at www.godspitcrew.org.