Rocky Hill Obituary: Richard Johnson, 68

Richard S. Johnson, beloved husband, constant companion and best friend of Dorothea (Zariphes) Johnson for more than 47 years, died peacefully at Yale-New Haven Hospital on May 26, 2017.

Born in Hartford, Rich grew up in Rocky Hill, graduated from Hamilton College in 1972 and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut in 1978. He practiced law, specializing in real estate title work for almost 45 years. He was president of Lawyers Concern for Lawyers from its early years in Connecticut to the present day and loved giving strength, hope and encouragement to many along the way.

Besides his work he loved Cape Cod, kayaking, clamming, riding his bike, hiking, climbing Mt. Washington (15 times over the years), bird-watching, bee-keeping, nature, dancing, music of all kinds, collecting early American art pottery, St. Martin, and puttering around his 5 acres (heaven on earth). He especially loved the pets over the years, currently two Dobermans, Rosie & Romeo and the Maine Coon cat, Maxwell Smart.

He was pre-deceased by his father, Frederick Johnson and his mother, Helen (Renkainen) Johnson, Besides his wife he leaves behind two dear sisters, Cheryl Trahan and her husband Tom Trahan of Glastonbury, Barbara Johnson and her companion Dick Bottino of Venice, Florida; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Demetra & Constantine Zariphes and his sister-in law and part-time loving care taker, Amelia Reilly, and many nieces and nephews.

Richard, you have left a "big emptiness" in many of our lives and you will be loved, missed and remembered always.

In lieu of flowers friends may make donations to Rocky Hill Food Pantry, c/o Human Services, 761 Main St., Rocky Hill, CT 06067, or your favorite charity.

Services will be at Rose Hill, 580 Elm Street, Rocky Hill. Calling hours are Friday, June 2, 2017 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m.; burial to follow.