Haverhill: Richard M. Johnson, Sr., 89, passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 24, 2017. He was the longtime companion of Theresa M. Nicholson.

Born in Hampstead, NH on July 15, 1927, he was the son of the late John M. and Bertha (Kaulback) Johnson.

Richard was educated in Hampstead before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He served as a Seabee while station in Okinawa, and was discharged in 1946 with the rating MoMM2c. Among his awards he received the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal with 1 star. Richard worked as an inspector with the former Western Electric retiring in 1987 after 34 years of service. He was a Life Member of BPO Elks #165 in Haverhill.

Beside his loving companion of 45 years, Richard is survived by his children, Kenneth Johnson of Derry, NH, JoAnn Gostanian and her husband Gary of Haverhill; five grandchildren. His extended family includes Stephen Nicholson, Kim Walsh and her husband Richard, Lisa Wadsworth and her husband Frank, Michael Nicholson and his wife Margaret, Laurie Erickson and her husband Tod and John Nicholson and his wife Angela. Richard was the father of the late Richard M. Johnson, Jr., brother of the late Ralph Johnson, James Johnson, Elsie Howard, Evelyn Standing, Harold Johnson, Dorothy Avery and Edith Labranch.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Thursday, March 30th, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main Street, Haverhill. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday at St. James Church followed by interment at Linwood Cemetery. Donation in Richard's memory may be made to the charity of donor's choice.

Online condolences may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com