Richard M. Johnson, 89, Inspector at Western Electric

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

Born in Hampstead, N.H., July 15, 1927, he was the son of the late John M. and Bertha (Kaulback) Johnson. Johnson was educated in Hampstead before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He served as a Seabee while stationed in Okinawa and was discharged in 1946 with the rating MoMM2c. Among his awards are the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medal with one star. He 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 companion of 45 years, Johnson is survived by his children, Kenneth Johnson of Derry, N.H., and 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. He was the father of the late Richard M. Johnson Jr. and 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 Thursday, March 30, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Dole, Childs and Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main St., Haverhill. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, at St. James Church followed by burial at Linwood Cemetery. Donations in Johnson’s memory may be made to the charity of donor’s choice.