Richard Snow Johnson Jr.

1956 - 2026

Richard Snow Johnson Jr., a lifelong resident of Hinsdale, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026 after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by love and leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and deep devotion to family and community.

Richard was born in Brattleboro, Vermont, the son of Marjorie and Richard Snow Johnson. Though born across the river, Hinsdale was always his home. He was raised there and spent his entire life dedicated to the town he loved so deeply.

He is survived by his loving wife of forty years, Cathy Johnson (Wojchick); his children, son Richard Snow Johnson III and his wife Laura, son Michael Paul Johnson and his wife Meghan, and daughter Emily Elizabeth Allen and her husband Matthew; and his granddaughter, Evelyn Harper Allen. He is also survived by his siblings, David Johnson and his wife Mary, Susan Dejnak and her husband Peter, Robert Johnson and his wife Karen, and Nancy Wright. Richard was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and grandfather, and was affectionately known as "Uncle Richard" even to those outside his family, a reflection of his welcoming and familial nature.

Richard worked for twenty four years at the Hinsdale Raceway, later known as the Hinsdale Greyhound Park. He spent the remainder of his professional career in the transportation and safety industries, retiring in August from GMH Transportation. He was a lifetime member of the Brattleboro Elks, served as a St. Michael's School Board member, helped pioneer the development of the HCDIC, and was President of the Hinsdale Alumni Association for many years.

An avid tinkerer, Richard was always working on a project. He had a lifelong love of electronics, especially speakers, and was an early adopter of the personal computer. He was a devoted New York sports fan, with a particular love for the Yankees.

Richard cared deeply for Hinsdale and devoted decades of service to the town. He served for thirty years as Town Moderator and an additional six years as a Town Selectman. He valued fiscal conservatism and consistently focused on long term financial outcomes and sustainability for the community he loved.

In his later years, Richard cherished traveling with his family, both domestically and abroad. His travels included the Outer Banks of North Carolina, York Beach Maine and the Adirondacks of New York. He also traveled internationally to Iceland, Germany, Italy, England, and France, experiences that brought him great joy and lasting memories.

Known for his warmth, humor, and familiar phrase, "Keep the faith," Richard was, above all else, a kind and gentle man. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched through his work, service, and friendship.

Friends and family may call at the Atamaniuk Funeral Home on Thursday (1/8/2026) from 4-6 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday from 1-4 p.m. in the Hinsdale Town Hall auditorium. Interment in the Johnson family lot in Pine Grove Cemetery will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Hinsdale Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, c/o Ann Diorio, 588 Brattleboro Road, Hinsdale, NH 03451.

To share a memory or offer condolences to Richard's family, please visit www.atamaniuk.com.