Richard Lee Johnson, age 71, of Edinboro, passed away on August 10, 2026, due to diabetes complications. Richard was born on March 26, 1955, six weeks early, weighing 5 pounds, 15 ounces, with a double chin and jaundice at Stems Memorial Hospital in Union City, Pennsylvania, to the late Carl A. Johnson and Betty Jean (Henton) Johnson. Richard lived in Wattsburg until the age of 10, when his family moved to Sturgis Road in Cambridge Springs. He graduated from Cambridge Springs High School with the Class of 1973. Throughout his life, Richard was a hard worker and a loyal friend working on several local farms during his teenage years and later at Union City Chair Company, Ethan Allen Company, MFG Boat Company, Elgin Electronics, and finally for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania at the rest stop in Edinboro. It was there that he met his wife, Virginia (Ketchum). They married on March 4, 1994, and later lived in Stoneboro, Pennsylvania, and Jamestown, New York. Virginia passed away from cancer in February 2002. Richard enjoyed riding his motorcycle with his brothers and the Kimmey boys, playing cards, and visiting family and friends. Later in life, he enjoyed playing online games with his mother. He loved children and, although he had none of his own, was a loving uncle to many and a father figure to Jessica. Richard was known for saying what was on his mind, sometimes in a way that was hard to hear, but always honest. When he entered hospice, he wanted to say goodbye to his family in person so they would know he would be okay. One of his special ways of saying goodbye was, “Bye for now.” Richard will be lovingly remembered by his family, friends, nieces and nephews, and all who knew and loved him.In addition to his wife, Virginia (Ketchum), Richard was preceded in death by his brother, Philip Ray Johnson, brother, Robert Johnson, and sister Eva Lynn (White)McClanahan.
Survivors include brother Paul A Johnson of Cambridge Springs, sister Katherine Johnson Lutton (Richard) of Erie, sister Choyce Ann Johnson Peterson of Erie, brother Kenneth Johnson (Sue) of Union City, sister Jessica Johnson of Cambridge Springs and sister Jennifer Johnson of Cambridge Springs, several nieces and nephews which he loved dearly, and a close friend and caregiver Rodney Gillespie.
Friends may call at Van Matre Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Friday, August 14 from 5 p.m. until time of funeral service at 7 p.m. Interment Millers Station Cemetery. To send condolences visit www.vanmatrefuneralhome.com.
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Arthur Graham says
August 12, 2026 at 9:31 amRichard will be forever remembered as a kind and gentle soul. I never heard him speak ill of anyone, and always had a smile on his face. There are so many fond memories of his interactions with me and his nephews, Kodi, Dante, and Quanah. We always understood that Richard had a loving and caring heart, and when he was around you felt a warmth and kindness that is rare these days. He will be missed by the Graham family and fondly remembered as a wonderful man. My condolences go out to the family that he left behind. May everyone find comfort in the memory of his selflessness and love for others.
Curtis Bogda says
August 15, 2026 at 9:41 pmI send out to all of Rich’s family my condolences. I and all of my classmates liked Rich. I’d always see Rich on his way to or coming back from him eating at a Flip’s in Edinboro. We always had good street talks because that’s where I’d always see him. I’d only wish that Rich could have come to our 50th class reunion. When I called to pick him up to go to the reunion, he had told me he had to go to an emergency operation that same night. Rich is right, UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN. REST IN PEASE RICH (MY FRIEND)