Richard Johnson

Plainfield — Richard Andrew Johnson, 80, of Plainfield, passed away peacefully at The William W. Backus Hospital on Monday, March 12, 2018. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Shirley (Avery) Johnson.

Rich was born on Sept. 16, 1937, in New London, the son of the late Norman and Helen (Genova) Johnson. Mr. Johnson was a graduate of New London High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He started with Electric Boat as a draftsman in 1961 and retired as a senior designer after 41 years of service. He was a member of the New London Lodge of Elks, an avid golfer and a staunch union man. Rich loved to discuss anything military related, a subject he was quite knowledgeable of and would banter with anyone about cars, politics and the Yankees. His personality frequently made him larger than life. He loved people, he loved to talk and he loved his family. Besides his wife, Shirley, Rich is survived by his children, Richard Johnson and wife, Donna, of Terryville, Cindy Johnson of Fort Pierce, Fla., and Eric Johnson of Stonington. His stepchildren, Robert Taylor and wife, Kate, of Granby and Diane Plant and husband, Mike, of Vogelberg, Maine; his nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. His family will receive relatives and friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, March 19, at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London, followed by a service at 1 p.m. Interment in St. Mary Cemetery with military honors.