LeRoy ~ Richard Johanson, age 70, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, at his home.
Mr. Johanson was born December 30, 1938 in Lackawanna, New York, son of the late Walter and Barbara Squire Johanson.
Mr. Johanson held a Master’s Degree from the University of Connecticut and worked for over thirty years as a psychiatric social worker in New York State, championing the rights of the developmentally disabled and their families. A U.S. Navy veteran, he was a sailor aboard the aircraft carrier Saratoga, continuing to serve his country an additional twenty years as a Navy Reservist. His public service continued when he was elected Mayor of Canaseraga, New York, where he completed two terms which included winning a Federal Grant of over $300,000. As Mayor, Mr. Johanson’s grant guaranteed a new water tower and healthier sanitation for generations to come. In his later life, he “adopted” an underprivileged family in Costa Rica, whose medical bills and basic needs he funded from his own savings.
A talented musician, Mr. Johanson played the harmonica and took a lively interest in bird-watching and the Civil War. His greatest passion, however, lay in nurturing the careers of his four children. In the last months of his life, Mr. Johanson volunteered at the Garden View Senior Care Facility in LeRoy, New York, where his lifelong role of wise-counselor and sympathetic listener lived on until the end.
He is survived by his four children; David Johanson of Melbourne Beach, FL, Kristina Johanson of Hartsdale, NY, Julia Johanson of Babylon, NY and Erik (Leigh Vainio) Johanson of LeRoy; his siblings; June Squire of NYC, Donald (Theresa) Johanson of Baltimore, MD and Linda Johanson of Denver, CO; his companion, Nancy Kuehlewind of Derby, NY; the mother of his children, Kay Kriner of LeRoy along with his nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may attend his memorial reception on May 23 from 4 to 7 PM at the Garden View Senior Care Facility, 124 E. Main Street, LeRoy, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Garden View Senior Care Facility c/o Mary Margaret Scanlan. Arr: Cameron, Brady & Steuber Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.leroyfuneralhome.com .