OBITUARY: Richard P. Johnson, 74

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Richard P. “Dick” Johnson, age 74, a longtime resident of Wilmington, passed away at home on April 4, 2026—the place he loved most and where he had built his life for over 43 years.

Born in Winthrop, Massachusetts on July 1, 1951, Dick was the beloved son of Irene (Norris) Johnson and the late Robert Johnson. He was raised in Melrose and graduated from Melrose High School in 1969.

Dick served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era.

Dick was a hardworking and selfless man who spent over 40 years working for the United States Post Office. He was known for showing up every day, doing what needed to be done, and always putting others before himself. He lived a simple life—not one of excess, but one of quiet dedication, responsibility, and love.

On May 21, 1977, Dick married his wife and best friend, Jeanette. Together they built a home in Wilmington where they raised their four daughters. His life revolved around his family. He was always there—whether it was coaching his daughters’ sports teams, showing up to every game, or simply being present in the everyday moments that mattered most.

In his later years, his greatest joy came from being “Pa” to his grandchildren. He loved spending time with them—whether it was going for walks, playing games, attending their events, or just being together. Those were the moments that meant everything to him.

He was also an avid reader and a man of strong faith, finding comfort in reading the Bible.

Dick was not someone who needed much for himself. He found happiness in his family, his home, and the life he built. He was a steady, loving presence—someone his family could always count on.

Dick was the beloved husband of 48 years to Jeanette Johnson. He was the devoted father of Laurie Farrell, Kimberly Burke and her husband Jimmy, Julie LeClair and her husband Nick, and Christine Johnson and her husband Sean Casey. He was the proud and loving “Pa” to his grandchildren Nicholas, Austin, Arianna, Andrew, Cassidy, Dominic, Kayla, MacKenzie, Sadie, and the late Madison. He will also be deeply missed by his loyal dog, Mylo, who was a constant companion and brought him comfort and joy.

He was the dear brother of Bobby Johnson and his late wife Diane of Ogunquit, Maine and Steven Johnson and his wife Betty Jo of Wilmington. He shared a special bond with his brother Steven, especially enjoying their time together going out to eat and searching for the best pizza. He also enjoyed visiting family in Maine and spending time with his brother Bobby.

Dick was the son-in-law of Jeanette and the late Gerald McCarthy, and brother-in-law of Joe and Holly McCarthy, George and Janet McCarthy, Irene and Tom Murphy, Geraldine and Jim Dale, and the late James McCarthy. He is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.

Family and friends will gather at Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Route 62), Wilmington, on Friday, April 10th, for visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Wildwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick’s memory to The Salvation Army, 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, MA 02021 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.