Russell H. Johnson

Russ Johnson, 93, of Wakefield, passed away Friday, July 25, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. This irreplaceable man left this earth after spending nearly a century as a devoted son, brother, friend, craftsman, SK and Wentworth graduate, architect, inventor, veteran, husband, business owner, gardener, camper, father, uncle, rotarian, hot dogs, beans and johnnycake-enthusiast, father-in-law, grandfather and great grandfather.

He was the owner of Howard Johnson Inc., a 4th generation family-owned John Deere dealership located in Wakefield. He was an Army Veteran and a true “Swamp Yankee” whose moral compass never changed course and was always headed in the right direction. For those of you who knew him well, you were fortunate, and we know his presence will carry on forever in your hearts, minds and through his countless life stories, inventions, and carefully-crafted projects from his woodshop.

Born in South Kingstown, he was a son of the late Howard and Lillian (Hinckley) Johnson, and the loyal husband of the late Mary E. (Butler) Johnson. He is survived by his son Mark Johnson and his wife Janine, and their three children Benjamin, Zachary and Travis, as well as his son James Johnson and his wife Lisa, and their sons Russell and Jeffrey, and his daughter-in-law Kim Johnson, wife of the late Stephen Johnson and their three children Brandon, Sarah and Emily. Russell was also the proud great-grandfather of Robert, Avery, and Charlotte.

A service for Russell will be held on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at 11 AM at Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield. Burial with military honors will follow in New Fernwood Cemetery, Kingston. Calling hours will be Monday, August 4th from 4 to 7 PM in the Avery-Storti Funeral Home.