Richard H. Johnson

WORCESTER - Richard H. Johnson passed away on August 11, 2023, after a brief hospitalization; he was 84 years old. Richard was born and raised in Worcester, MA growing up in the Vernon Hill neighborhood. A 1956 graduate of Classical High School, he also received his Associate’s Degree from Worcester Junior College. In his youth, Richard loved to play sports and was a lifelong fan of the Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots. An excellent bowler, Richard also played golf for many years and was a past member of Holden Hills Country Club where he was known to win a Calcutta or two.

He worked for many years as a supervisor at Gordon Chemicals and then went into business for himself in the early 1980s as the owner of YD Liquors on Grafton Street. A second store, Towne Discount Liquors in Holden, was soon purchased. The businesses blossomed and he was known as a connoisseur of fine wine.

Richard loved traveling with his wife and family having gone to such places as San Francisco, San Diego, Maui, the Bahamas, and St. Maarten. Music was also important to him as he enjoyed listening to Jazz and popular music such as Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow and Barbra Streisand. Richard was a longtime member of the former Temple Emanuel where he saw his children Bat and Bar Mitzvahed.

Richard leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Constance Johnson; two children, Melissa (Johnson) Agnew and her husband, Jim, and Peter Johnson and his wife, Jenna; and four grandchildren, Olivia, Ally, Jack and Sammy. His parents, George and Ethel, preceded him in death.

Family and friends will gather for a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 15 at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. Interment will follow at B’nai Brith Cemetery, 55 St. John’s Road, Worcester. A reception will follow the graveside service at the Sole Proprietor located at 118 Highland Street, Worcester, MA 01609.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Richard’s name to the American Heart Association by going to www.heart.org .