Richard E. Johns

Richard E. Johns, 98, of Green Tree, truly one of the last of the Greatest Generation, passed away Tuesday, March 18th, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Theresa, devoted father of Kathy (Larry) Hanna, Richard (Carla) Johns, Bob Johns (Sheri Ernico), & Karen (Joseph) Marfisi. Adored Pap of Wendy (Dan), Melissa (Naomi), Erin (Mike), Alex, Natalie (Maurice), Nicole (Jay), Dylan, and the late infant Jeffrey Hanna. “Double G” of Ryan, Katie, Julia, Eileen, Stella, Desmond, Ibrahim, Naima, and Soraya. Dear brother of Edward, Dorothy, Martha, and the late Virginia and Charles (Mary Margaret) Johns. Brother-in-law of Bob Hamer (Jeanette) and the late Regina (Clarence) Lane,  Mary Ellen (Joe, Nelson) Daniels LoPinto and  Ed (Marge) Hamer.  Uncle to several nieces and nephews.

Richard grew up in Carnegie, Pennsylvania in a close-knit Syrian family. He quit high school at 16, announcing to his classmates that he was enlisting to “fight the enemy.” However, his mother would not give him permission to enlist. Too embarrassed to return to school, he took the bus into downtown Pittsburgh, which dropped him off at Joseph Horne Company. He remained there 46 years, only interrupted when Uncle Sam drafted him into the Army in 1944. He was a Staff Sergeant of the 26th Infantry, and a Purple Heart recipient during World War II. Upon discharge, he returned to Horne’s, where he worked his way up to roles in management and buying. He travelled the world for his job. While at Horne’s, he met the former Theresa Hamer of Sheraden. They wed in 1948 and together created a warm, loving home. He was instinctive in helping his family, friends or neighbors solve any problem, meticulously instructing along the way. Richard tended to his annual tomato garden until just a few years ago. He was a keen card player, enjoying his poker group or simply playing solitaire on his back porch. He was an avid member of Steelers Nation, and Steeler Sundays will never be the same without him.

There are not enough words to describe the wonderful, smart man that he was and he will be deeply missed.  His legacy will remain in our hearts forever.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday March 25, 2025 from 4pm-7pm at Pittsburgh Cremation and Funeral Care, McMurray. A blessing service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 12:30pm, followed by burial at 1:30PM at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to your local Society of St. Vincent DePaul.