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Chick Johanson

November 27, 1949 - October 24, 2011

Chick Richard Johanson, on October 24, 2011 of Washington Twp. Age 61.

Beloved husband of Rita nee Rabotino. Devoted father of Richard, Jr., Jonathan Salter Nicole, Kristin Pierce Dave and Matthew Ashley. Loving grandfather of Richard, III, Eric, Christian, Trent, Julian and Julianna. Proud great-grandfather of Matthew. Brother of Mary Johanson.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Friday 12:00 -2:00 pm at the Egizi Funeral Home, 119 Ganttown Road, Washington Twp.

Funeral service 2:00 pm at the funeral home.

Interment private.

Donations in Chick s memory may be made to the Camden County Animal Shelter, 125 County House Road, Blackwood, NJ 08012.

OUR CHICK

“A man’s friendships are one of the best measures of his worth.” Charles Darwin

On October 24th, God called our husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend and buddy, Chick home to be at peace. The party that always seemed to follow Chick has moved to heaven where he smiles down upon us, toothpick in his mouth, cold beverage in hand, his dogs Saki and Buster at his side.

Chick honorably served our country in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971, including a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1970. He was a proud member and past President of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners Union, working at the old Philadelphia Navy Yard from 1971 until 1990. Chick also was Vice-President of the Metal Trades Council at the Navy Yard. Chick became an Equal Employment Opportunity EEO Investigator for the Department of Defense at the Navy Yard in 1990, where he remained until his retirement in 2007. Chick loved his sports. He coached his sons Jonathan and Richard in Upper Darby Little League and then later in numerous softball leagues. Chick also was the beloved coach of the South Philadelphia Foxes for many years and led them to championship after championship and the team gained fame, not only in the community, but in the city as well, even being featured on Channel Six Action News! Chick was active in Washington Township Youth Baseball as a coach and served on the Baseball Advisory Board. He was so proud of the fact that his children and grandchildren have inherited his love of sports.

Chick had a zest for life…”how we doin’ babe”; Club Johanson pool parties; coaching the Foxes softball team; black and white wingtips; Jerry Blavat’s oldies; Rita Baby’s buffalo wings; his dog Rusty; styling on Okemo Mountain in his teal, hot pink, and gray ski suit; sharp provolone, roasted peppers and Sarcone’s bread; Myrtle Beach golf trips; always a new golf bag to carry his foot wedge; “I’m taking a mulligan”; “give me a 5 babe”; “winter rules”; “I got a coupon”; “can you ask the cook to make the soup as hot as possible – burn my mouth hot”; “excuse me waitress, can you dig down in the cooler and get me the coldest beer you can find”; corn on the grill with crabs and beer; driving to Florida for vacations; “gotta look good babe” teal-colored softball uniforms; knee braces and wristbands; playing softball on the diamonds in South Philly and Washington Township; TWP Baseball; Divots Bar; Lord of the Rings, The Highlander and sci-fi movies; X-Files; the Philadelphia Flyers; his obnoxious yellow truck…so many good times shared with family and friends.

Our beloved Chick personified cool. Long hair and goatee. Baseball cap to match the shirt and shorts, bright white sneaks. Chick loved animals, especially dogs. Chick grew up in East Lansdowne. Along with his best friend and wife Rita, enjoyed life and acquired many friends on their journey from Upper Darby to Ridley Park to Washington Township. Chick’s perfect day would start by playing 18 with his buddies, watching Mo play baseball in the afternoon, and finish at a restaurant his choice with a coupon of course with Rita and friends for dinner. Laughing the whole way!

We celebrate Chick’s life, his love for family and his many friends.

“It is not the length of life, but depth of life”. Ralph Waldo Emerson

“A Life Well Lived
Is Worth Remembering”

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Chick Richard Johanson, on October 24, 2011 of Washington Twp. Age 61. Beloved husband of Rita nee Rabotino. Devoted father of Richard, Jr., Jonathan Salter Nicole, Kristin Pierce Dave and Matthew Ashley. Loving grandfather of Richard, III, Eric, Christian, Trent, Julian and Julianna. Proud great-grandfather of Matthew. Brother of Mary Johanson. Relatives and friends areContinue Reading

See Condolences
Kathlen Collings left a message on October 28, 2011:
Rita & Family I'm so sorry to hear about Richie's passing I have a lot of good memories back in the days of your pool parties. Richie was one of the good guys. My prayers are with you and your family...... Kathleen
Debbie and Lou Sbarra left a message on October 25, 2011:
Rita, Chick was a great guy, Lou and I will keep you and your family in our prayers. He was always a good friend to Lou..
Tony Del Vecchio left a message on October 25, 2011:
Rita I am so sorry for your loss chick was one of a kind.He was one of the nicest guys I ever met. He will be sadly missed RIP my friend.One of the great ones is pitching softballs in heaven tonight. Love Ya Buddy
Jim Wheatcroft left a message on October 25, 2011:
To Rita and all of Chick's family, Kathy & I are so sorry for your loss. Chick was a great guy, and we have some wonderful memories of fun times skiing, softball, and more recent get-togethers. We are so happy that we were able to reconnect with you guys and enjoy Chick's company again after all those years of having lost track. He will be missed. - Jim & Kathy
Barbara Peters left a message on October 25, 2011:
Dear Rita, I am so very sorry to hear about your loss - the love of your life. God Bless you and your family. Barbara Peters
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Linda Gary Courant left a message on October 25, 2011:
Dear Rita,Matt,Jonathan and family We are so saddened to hear the news about Chick. He had a great love for life,his family, friends and the boys of summer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love,Linda,Gary, jackie and Josh
Joy Buono left a message on October 25, 2011:
Rita, So sad to hear of Chick passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Focusing on the wonderful life you two had will keep you strong. Joy
Ellen McCrossen left a message on October 25, 2011:
Rita my prayers are with you and your Family Chick was a great guy and I will never forget him, the years we played for the Foxes was the best time of my life we had a Great coach!!!!! and a lot of fun Let me know if there is anything I can do for you
Joe Schneberger left a message on October 26, 2011:
Rita I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Joe
John Green left a message on October 26, 2011:
Dear Rita and Family, It is with great sadness and shock on hearing of the "Chickers" passing. I've known Chicker for over 30 years and always considered him not only as an fellow yardbird but as a good friend. We shared a lot of good times and laughs. My prayers are with you and your family
margart beard left a message on October 26, 2011:
Condolences to the family of Mr." Chick" Richard Johanson, May you all have the comfort and strength needed to get through this sad moment in your lives. May all the dear memories linger on in your hearts and mind forever of your love one." May you know the God of comfort heal all the brokenheart ones, And is binding up their painful spots." Psalm 147:3- You are in my prayers.
Joyce Kearney-Honyak left a message on October 26, 2011:
Hi Rita, Jonathan & Family. I was so sorry to hear about Chick. I hope all your memories of him, bring you peace & some comfort. You & your family is in my prayers Sincerely, Joyce
Mike Curcio left a message on October 27, 2011:
Rita and family my deepest condolences for your loss. I will always remember Chick fondly, and will never forget the fun times we shared. Thought and prayers are with you. Mike
Patrick Malone left a message on October 27, 2011:
Dear Rita and Family, So sorry to hear about Chick's passing. I am still in shock. I've been remembring our times together dancing and hanging out. He was a good friend to all of us. Take care and God bless. Patrick
Dennis Kaiser left a message on October 27, 2011:
Rita I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Chick at the Navy Yard. He was a skilled negotiator. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Patti and Vince Crimaldi left a message on October 27, 2011:
Rita: We were shocked and saddened to hear of Chick's passing. We were drawn to him - he always made us feel like his best friends. Dancing and the diner will never be the same! Our prayers are with you and your family. xo
Bob and Karen Downey left a message on October 26, 2011:
Rita and Family, We are very sorry to hear of Chick's passing. There are no words to express our sympathy and we will continue to pray for your family.
Lorraine G. Daliessio left a message on October 28, 2011:
Richie was always a cool, calming influence through some chaotic days at the Navy Yard. He was a classy guy. He was inteligent and wise and fun.
Kathy & John Durante left a message on October 28, 2011:
To Rita and her family... Chick was a great man, husband, father, friend and coach. He will be greatly missed!
Dennis Friedman left a message on October 28, 2011:
My deepest condolences to Rita and family for their loss. Time will never erase my memories of Chick as a strong and insightful leader at the Philadelphia Metal Trades Council, and his easy going, low key, hip manner.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Larry Powers left a message on October 28, 2011:
Rita and Family my deepest condolences. I met Chicker as a young kid working at the Shipyard. He taught me what it meant to advocate for employees rights. He started me on a career path that has allowed me to make a home for my family and to send my two children to college. This would not have happen without him and I will always be grateful to him for helping make me who I am.
Maria Altobello left a message on October 28, 2011:
Dear Johanson Family, I knew Rich as a union representative, and then as an EEO Counselor. He was a wonderful guy. Full of life. My heart is broken for you. He won't be forgotten. With Sympathy, Maria Altobello formerly Parenti
Muriel Williams left a message on October 28, 2011:
When Rich was Vice President of the Metal Trades Council and I worked in the Industrial Relations Office, we had many interesting times while negotiating the labor agreement. We may have been on opposite sides of the negotiating table, but we liked and respected one another. He will be missed.
Ed DiGiovanni left a message on October 28, 2011:
Just learned of this... surprising... Rich was so young... so sorry for the family... their loss at this time in his relatively young life certainly seems unfair! I remember Rich well from our labor-management relations dealings from the early 1970s through 1996... loss touch after relocating to Florida. May he rest in peace and I wish peace to the family.
Karen Kelly left a message on October 29, 2011:
Dear Rita, I was shocked to read about Rick's passing. I have no other way of contacting you, so please forgive my condolences on this website. My father, Tom Kelly is still living at age 91, but his health is not good. My brother Jack passed away in June at age 60. Again, Rita, please convey our condolences to your family and MaryBeth. Karen Kelly 2991 W. Schoolhouse Lane, Apt.# OW21 Philadelphia, PA 19144
Carol Johanson left a message on November 15, 2011:
Rita, I am so sorry, I just found out about Chick. If I had known me and Eric would of been at the service. He will be greatly missed, Rita. Again I am so sorry I wish Rich would of called and told us. I will keep you in my prayers, Rita. Love, Carol and Eric Johanson
Steve & Diana Vitola left a message on November 4, 2011:
Rita, I just heard about Chick's passing. I'm so sorry we couldn't be there to celebrate his life for the last time. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Matt.
Tom Stefanopoulos left a message on October 31, 2011:
Dear Rita & Family : My family and I are shocked and saddened to hear about Chick's passing. Sorry will not truly describe the way I feel.Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Terri and Frank Navarro left a message on October 30, 2011:
Dear Rita and Family, So very sorry to hear of your loss. It has been some time since we have seen you and Chick, but the memories we have are nothing but happy and fun times with "Rick and Chita". He was a great guy and much too young to leave. I know that you will find comfort in the many memories you and your family have of him. We may have lost touch, but we could never forget you guys.. especially the ski trips and the after party, where only Chick could fall asleep on the bus while we were dancing in the aisles...hahaha.From all the very nice things written about him, I know his has been a life well lived, and he certainly spent time helping others, too. Take care and email me if you want to talk, Rita. My prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, Terri Navarro
Fran Tobin left a message on October 28, 2011:
Chick was the partner of my partner, Rita. He had a joy of life, and gave Rita and their family a life of joy. Chick you will be missed by many.
Robert Melchiorre left a message on October 26, 2011:
May god bless you during these tough times. so many great memories. Chick was a great man. Gonna miss ya cheese!
Egizi Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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