Lt. Col. Richard D. Johns Sr.

[ironputts]

January 6, 2020



Lt. Col. Richard D. Johns Sr.
Col. Johnnie Pantanelli Composite Squadron
New York Wing

Richard Douglas Johns, Sr. "Richie" Born March 26th, 1942 Died August 29th, 2019 77, a 25-year resident of Yorktown Heights, NY, formerly of Mt. Vernon, NY.Died peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, August 29th, 2019. He was born on March 26th, 1942 to Albert and Margaret "Peggy" Johns (Dorsey) in Port Chester, NY. Loving father, stepfather, and father-in-law to Richard Johns, Jr. (Donna), Ronald Johns, Raymond Johns, Jodi Lynn Tavano (Vinny), Christian (Kelly), Jim Nardone (Diana), and Joe Nardone. Loving grandfather to Darren, Ryan, Tara, Marisa, Vincent, Casey, Devin, and Mikayla, and GrandPup to Diesel. Loving life partner to Janice Nardone and life long friend and co-parent Grace Ann Johns.
Attended Edison Technical and Vocational High School in Mt. Vernon, NY. Served in the United States Air National Guard as a reservist. He then joined the Police Department for the City of Mt. Vernon, New York, serving as a Police Officer from December of 1969 until retiring in December of 1990. Richie was a member of the Blue Knights Chapter 12, a law enforcement motorcycle organization, serving as a past President. He was also an active member of New York State Fraternal Order of Police #704, and the Police Emerald Society of Westchester.
In retirement, Richie worked private security for Summit Security, including at Yankee Stadium, as well as a private chauffer. More recently, he worked security for the Mount Pleasant CSD at Westlake High School, fiercely supporting the Wildcat athletic teams.
Richie was a lifelong enthusiast of aviation, and was a 16-year member of the United States Air Force Auxiliary – Civil Air Patrol, ascending to rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Chief Training Officer. Dad attained great joy and reward from working with his CAP cadets. HIs contribution to the positive direction and investment into young men and women brought him a deep sense of pride and accomplishment.
He was a life-long enthusiast of riding motorcycles, attending car and air shows, military and aviation history, and watching classic Westerns and TLC movies. As an adolescent, he successfully competed in competitive roller-skating dance competitions. Grandpa loved his sweets and was always up for dancing and a good time, especially amongst family. His grandchildren brought him great joy, and he will be loved and missed tremendously.