Richard Leon Johnson, having just celebrated his 98th birthday, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, at Foulk Living in Wilmington, Delaware. Born on July 27, 1928, he was the son of the late Leon Johnson and Mary (White) Johnson.
A “South Sider,” native Delawarean, and graduate of Sunny Hills School (now Sanford School), Richard worked as the housemaster of the Douglas and Western cottages at the boarding school while earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in organic chemistry from the University of Delaware.
He joined Hercules Powder Company at its Research Center in 1952 and, over the next 37 years, helped expand the company while serving in six different departments at nine company locations across the country. He retired in 1989 as Business Director of Fiber and Film.
A veteran of the U.S. Army Chemical Corps, Richard served during the Korean Conflict. Following retirement, he enjoyed traveling, golfing, cooking, and reading. He was also an avid walker and could often be found walking at home, in the Shenandoah Mountains, or along the beach at Fenwick Island.
Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Ruth (Herron) Johnson.
He is survived by his son, Kenneth; his daughter, Karen Kellogg; and his grandchildren, Zachary Kellogg and Allison Kellogg.
A visitation will be held Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 10-11 at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803 followed by a service in celebration of Richard’s life at 11 AM. Burial will be held at a later date at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army Wilmington Citadel, 401 N. Shipley Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.
To send an online condolence, please visit www.mccreryandharra.com.
