Obituary of Richard W Johns, Sr.

Richard W. Johns, Sr., known to everyone as “Dick”, born July 29, 1934 promoted to Heaven January 6, 2024 in Naples, Florida at age 89.  Until he moved to Florida in 2019, Dick was a lifelong resident of New Jersey.  Born in Irvington, grew up in Union, raised a family in Springfield and spent his last years in Mendham. He was a graduate of Union High School, Union, NJ.

He was best known as a man who could fix or build anything and a head for business. Despite his lack of formal education his passion was architecture. He was a recipient of a scholarship to Georgia Tech. Yet, obediently forewent that to work the family electronic business, William Johns and Sons, then located in Newark New Jersey.  He went on to partner and operate a produce business J&B Produce, growing that into Mulberry Market Mall, both located in Newark, New Jersey.  It was not until his 50’s, that the Lord used his long-sidelined passion to become part of the Ministry of Times Square Church in New York City.  There he worked alongside the Reverend David Wilkerson.  He supervised the historic restoration of the landmark Mark Hellenger Theatre on 51st Street, where the church still thrives today. He located, designed, and supervised construction of numerous properties including Hannah House, Timothy House, The Upper Room on 41st Street and Summit Bible College near Harrisburg, PA. His gifts stretched as far as Hope’s Inn in Opelika, Alabama. All these ministries delivered the Good News of the Salvation through Jesus Christ, while providing the homeless, single mothers, widowed and runaways with food, housing and schooled others for Christian ministry globally. 

Dick is survived by his wife, Patricia, whom he loved for 71 years; his children and their spouses, Richard W. Johns, Jr and Francine Salamone-Johns, Stephanie Maione and William Maione, Sr., Drew Johns and Gabriella Johns. He was adored by seven grandchildren Lauren Archer, Alyssa Klyashtorny, Sarah Maione, Richard W. Johns III (RJ), Christopher Johns and Shannon Johns; their spouses Ryan Archer, Dan Klyashtorny, Christopher Thomas, Jen Johns and Nicole Johns. He will be held fondly in the heart of seven great-grandchildren:  Jack, Caroline, Sloane, Ava, Clive, Grayson and Charlie. Upon his passing he was welcomed by those who went on before him: His parents William and Marietta Johns, Grandson William Maione, Jr other family members and host of church family too numerous to mention. 

A celebration of his life will be held on January 15, 2024 at Evangel Church, 1251 Terrill Road, Scotch Plains, New Jersey 11am fellowship gathering, Celebration Service to begin at 12pm.  Repass will follow.  In lieu of flowers family requests that gifts be sent in his memory with gratitude to Times Square Church, 237 W 51st Street, New York, New York (TSC.org) for forwarding to Summit Bible College. Or directly to Summit Bible College https://www.summitpa.org.