Donald Richard Johnson

Donald Richard Johnson aged 86 of Johnston RI passed away peacefully at home with his granddaughter Tayla and daughter Charlene by his side on October 29th, 2024. Born in Central Falls on September 18th, 1938. He was the son of the late Hazel (Dawson) Johnson and Omar Blanchette. He grew up in New York City and Los Angeles after finally relocating back to Rhode Island permanently. Donald was a kind, caring and empathetic person who always helped anyone in need regardless of the situation. He was hard working always providing for his family any way he could. He advocated for the rights of all people especially for handicapped children to help improve his own son’s quality of life. Donald worked for Picker X-ray as a salesman, and then transitioned to Dupont Pharmaceuticals as a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep. While at Dupont he played a pivotal role in bringing Narcan, Versed and Coumadin to market which is only a few of his many accomplishments while at Dupont. His true passion was music. Donald played the base violin in his own band for years traveling across New England and made an appearance playing with the Boston Pop’s. His love for music continued throughout his life with listening to his favorite oldies as well as, watching Broadway Musicals. He had love for Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and jelly sticks, going out to breakfast which was his favorite meal and having plenty of desserts especially chocolate and ice cream. Donald looked forward to spending his summers on Block Island each year, with his Block Island Family. While on the Island he enjoyed going for rides around the island while playing his oldies music, going to the old Post Office bakery for coffee each morning, enjoying dinner at Dead Eye Dick’s and having mudslides at the Spring House. He passed the love for Block Island to his family. He is predeceased by his parents Omar Blanchette; Hazel (Dawson) Johnson; and his brother Jimmy Johnson; his son Patrick Johnson; and his great grandsons Lucas and Tyler White. He is survived by his loving wife Ruth M Johnson; granddaughter Tayla Piggott (Brian Salemi); daughter Charlene Mitchell; daughter Katherine; three sons Christian (Tamara Charron), Michael (Michelle McConoughey) and Ryan Johnson (Jamie Lavoie); stepsons Richard and Domenic Mitchell; stepdaughters Kimberly McCormick and Kristen Mitchell. He leaves behind thirteen grandchildren; Alexandria, Kassidy, Kenzie, Lauren, Caitlin, Moira, Colin, Shea, Patrick, Morgan, Garen and Daniel; and four great grandchildren Logan, Riegan, Noah and Connor. In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org), American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org) or the ARC Rhode Island (arc.org/donate) in Donald’s memory. Calling hours will be held Monday November 4th from 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. in the Winfield & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 571 West Greenville Road, Scituate followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Phillip Church, 622 Putnam Pike, Greenville.

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Donald Richard Johnson

October 29, 2024