Richard Johanson, Sr.

Richard Henry Johanson, Sr., 78, of Barnegat Light, New Jersey, passed peacefully away on Tuesday, April 14, 2020.

Richard was born in Somerville, New Jersey to Henry and Gustantina Johanson (nee Venis) on November 10, 1941.  He graduated from Somerville High School in 1960 where he was a standout wrestler and football player. Richard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was deployed in October-December 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis with the 2nd Marine Division. During his service he qualified as an expert marksman and received the Good Conduct Medal. Returning to Somerville he met and married the love of his life, Linda Jane Johanson (nee Becker), on October 16, 1965. Richard was a master plumber and co-owner of C.D. Becker, Inc. where he was known for his hard work, expertise and integrity. Linda and Richard worked together side by side for 37 years. Retiring in 2013, he loved to spend time on his fishing boat hoping to catch the “big one”. When not on his boat, Richard loved to travel the world with Linda experiencing life to the fullest.  He was a kind and generous man who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.

He was a member of the Marine Corps League, Corporal William H. Smith #667 detachment and the Somerville Elks Lodge #1068. In 1996, he was inducted into the Somerville High School Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 1959 wrestling team. Richard attended Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Barnegat Light and served on the church council.

Richard is survived by his wife, Linda, his son, Richard, Jr. of Seattle, WA, his daughter Jennifer Lee Rogers and her husband Jason of York, PA, as well as his grandchildren; Olivia Johanson, Charles Rogers, and Blake Rogers.

At the convenience of the family, all services currently are private. Donations can be made in Richard’s memory to the Semper Fi Fund (https://semperfifund.org/).

The family also wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the heroic nurses and staff of Southern Ocean Medical Center who provide compassionate care to their patients.