Richard Johnson

Richard Johnson, a resident of Scituate, died on June 5, 2015. He leaves behind a witness of courage in the face of trials, a dedication to bringing out the best in others, a commitment to improving the lives of seniors, and an invitational spirit to see what is most beautiful in the world and the people around him. I am good! This is the legacy that Richard, age 67, leaves to all who knew him. They are words he shared with everyone he encountered in his years with cancer, words that manifested a sense of peace, wellness and deeper understanding of what it means to be truly living. Richard was born in Utica, N.Y., and lived in both Frankfort, N.Y., and Utica, N.Y., before moving to Boston to attend Boston University. He received BA and MS degrees from Boston University as well as an MBA from Babson College. Richard, who was also a licensed social worker, dedicated his life to the senior population and was influential in the start up of numerous residential living facilities in New England. He joined Welch Healthcare and Retirement Group in 1996 and was most recently the Executive Director of Village at Proprietors Green, Marshfield. Richard was also a senior consultant with the Welch Consulting Group and highly regarded by his colleagues as a compassionate, professional leader and loved his residents and staff. Richard was a board member of Hernia Repair for the Underserved, a non-profit organization providing free surgical care to patients in developing countries. Most noteworthy was the helpfulness he provided in encouraging and advising activities for the poor in Haiti. Richard had numerous talents and interests. He enjoyed kayaking and sailing in Scituate Harbor, playing guitar on his deck at his home overlooking a Scituate marsh he named "Marsh Mellow" and applying his resourcefulness and handyman skills to small home interior projects. He was an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction. Richards passion for life and deep spirituality were evident to everyone who came to know him whether a beloved family member, friend or coworker. Richard described his experience with cancer as one of growth, discovery and peace. He always said always he felt held by both friends and family, and by God; he would host still here! parties to gather those he loved throughout his cancer; and embarked on a spiritual journey through it all to absorb all he could about a God he trusted completely. Richard was a devoted father and often celebrated his love for family and friends. He is survived by his two sons, Benjamin C. Johnson of Marlborough and Samuel S. Johnson of Atlanta, Ga.; and their mother, Jody C. Johnson of Wayland. Additionally, brother, Maynard Johnson (Patricia) of Duluth, Ga.; sister, Janice Johnson Magilton (William) of San Diego, Calif.; brother, W. Dennis Johnson (Shelly) of New Hartford, N.Y.; and sister, Mary Lourdes Johnson of Frankfort, N.Y.; nieces, Tammy Johnson Smith, Margaret Johnson Cioch, Susan Ruane Barca, Meeghan Johnson Griffin, Melissa Johnson Bannigan; and nephew, Christopher Johnson. Richard's family would like to extend a special thank you and gratitude to the staff at the Village of Proprietors Green and Cranberry Hospice. Their compassionate, competent, and selfless care of Richard and family was beyond measure. Calling hours were held Thursday, June 11, 2015, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at MacDonald Funeral Home in Marshfield. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated 11 a.m. Friday, June 12, 2015, at St. Christine's Parish in Marshfield. Donations in Richards memory may be made to Amego Inc., 33 Perry Avenue, Attleboro, MA 02703, attn: Susan McCarthy, (amegoinc.org). For online guest book and directions, please visit our Web site macdonaldfuneralhome.com.