Cheshire Death Not Called Heat Related

The death of Richard N. Johnson last week during record temperatures is not being defined as heat related said Cheshire Police Lt. James Fasano. 

"It appears he fell off the lawn tractor. His wife found him," Fasano said. "It was not the noon hour in the blazing sun," he added. Johnson was pronounced dead on June 21 at his home at 768 N. Brooksvale Rd. at 7:42 p.m., police report.

Fasano said it was an untimely death with no evidence of foul play. He added that Johnson had signed a "do not resuscitate" legal document. Such forms preclude medical workers from performing further life-saving measures such as using a heart defibrillator.

The following obituary for Johnson was published by Alderson Funeral Home

Richard N. Johnson, 82, passed away Thursday June 21, 2012 at his residence. He was the husband of June (Mottram) Johnson.

He was born February 19, 1930 in Hartford, son of the late Chester Milton and Helen (Burnham) Johnson.

Richard was a graduate of Crosby High School Class of 1949. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. In his free time he loved to boat, fish, ski, square dance. Richard will always be known as a devoted loving husband, father, and a friend to all he met.

Besides his wife he is survived by two daughters Patricia Grove and her husband Dr. Michael Fanizzi of Fairlee, VT, and Jill Johnson of Cheshire; three sons Robert and his wife Kathlyn Johnson of Miami, FL, Richard Johnson Jr. and his fiancée Kathleen Walsh of Cheshire, and David Johnson of Hartford; a granddaughter Kaitlyn Johnson; and two grandsons James Andrew Johnson and Joseph Johnson of Florida. He was predeceased by a son Ronald Johnson.

A public service for Richard was held Monday at Alderson Funeral Home A private burial was held at Cheshire Hillside Cemetery. There were no calling hours. Donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.