Obituary of Richard E. Johnson

"Palmer, Richard E. Johnson, 75, of Cabot Street, died Tuesday, September 29 at home surrounded by his family. Born in Palmer, May 30, 1934, he was the son of the late Thorvald N. and Mary (Smith) Johnson. He was a lifelong resident, a graduate of its high school, and long time member of the Second Congregational Church there. He proudly served his country in the Air Force during the Korean War and worked for 34 years for Hasbro in East Longmeadow, retiring as chief scheduler. Dick was a member and past master of the Thomas Lodge of Masons (1971) as well as past commander in the Melha Shriners Legion of Honor. He was also past patron of Revere Chapter of Eastern Star (1972). He will be deeply missed by his wife of 54 years, June (Heintz) Johnson, along with his 4 children, Mark S. of Springfield, Robin E. Whitney and her husband Gardner of Westfield, Brian R. and his wife Sandra of Palmer, and Scott F. and his wife Rachel of Tuscon, AZ. He also leaves a brother Francis E. Johnson and his wife Rose of Agawam, along with 8 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Calling hours will be Sunday, October 4 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home, 1475 N. Main St, (Rte. 20) with a Masonic Evergreen Service at 6:30 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, October 5 at 10:00 a.m. in the Second Congregational Church, 1080 Pleasant Street, with committal services at 1:00 p.m. at Massachusetts Veteran's Cemetery, Agawam. The family requests that donations be made in his memory to Second Congregational Church, 1080 Pleasant Street, Palmer, 01069, or Shriner's Hospital, 516 Carew ST, Springfield, 01104-2396. "