Obituaries

Richard (Rich) James Johnson, Sr., age 48, of West Scranton, died Friday evening in the Intensive Care Unit of Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, after an unexpected illness. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Janine Anne Besack Johnson. Married September 25, 1993, they were married for 23 years.
Born August 15, 1968 and raised in Old Forge, he was the son of Michele Nemetz Junz of Scranton, formerly of Old Forge. A graduate of the former Bishop O’Hara High School, Rich then earned his degree in CAD Drafting and Analytics from Lincoln Technical Institute in Allentown.
He served as the head of Maintenance for Scranton Lace Company before driving truck for Rosenstein’s Produce Company. He was currently a driver for Midwest Transport, Inc. (M.T.I.). For nearly a decade, he was also the owner and operator of Big Rich’s American Sportshop in West Scranton.
A genuine outdoorsman, Rich enjoyed hunting, fishing, guns, motorcycles and working on cars. He was constantly on the go, active in countless organizations including the Hillbilly Clan #119. Runing in an effort to help local businesses thrive, he was a current candidate for a seat on Scranton’s City Council.
He belonged to the Hyde Park Lodge #339, Free and Accepted Masons where he was currently serving as Senior Warden. He was also a member of the Green Ridge Lodge #597, the Lackawanna Royal Arch Chapter #185, the Keystone Consistory and the Irem Shriners. Nothing meant more to him than being with his wife and children, also members of the Orders of the Eastern Star, DeMolay and Rainbow Girls, respectively.
Rich would do anything for anyone in need. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched throughout his life, especially through those he will help through the Gift of Life Donation Program, his final selfless act.
He is also survived by his three adoring children, Richard James Johnson, Jr., Rachel Elizabeth Johnson and Rebecca Anne Johnson, all of Scranton; his in-laws, Edward and Regina Conte Besack; two brothers-in-law; a niece and a nephew; aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends; and his faithful puppy, Bo.
His family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the entire staff of Gesinger C.M.C.’s I.C.U., especially Dr. Portecio Sanchez, for the amazing care given to both Rich and his family throughout this difficult time.
A Masonic Funeral Service is scheduled for Thursday at 7:00PM in the Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Thursday between 4-7:00PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rich’s name to the Crusade Chapter Order of Demolay, 21 Glinko Street, Scranton, Pa.,18504.