Richard "Ricky" Johnson, Jr.

Richard P. “Ricky” Johnson Jr., age 50, of St. John, IN, passed away Wednesday, November 22, 2023 after a long and valiant battle against Huntington's Disease.

Loving father of Michael Johnson and Aleczander Johnson. Dear brother of Julie (Phil) Johnson, Janet Goodale, John Osting, Kerry Studer (Ian), Jonathan Hosick (Ashley), the late William Osting, and the late Robert Osting (Theresa). Half-brother of Cindy Gulyban and John McGinnis. Kind uncle to many nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death by his parents, Patricia Hosick (late Ray) and Richard Johnson Sr.

Rick grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago, attending both Bloom Trail and Crete-Monee High Schools. His family and friends remember him as a kind and fun-loving guy who loved to dance. Rick was always cracking jokes and goofing around with his nieces and nephews earning him the nickname “Uncle Ninja” among others. He was a loyal brother and son, who was always willing to pitch in a hand to help out others. As a union painter, Rick specialized in interior rooms. He had the ability to cut a line without any need for taping out. He took pride in the meticulousness of his work. Before the union, he worked for his brother Bill’s business - Osting Painting. Their biggest contract was painting many Speedway locations in the Chicagoland area. Hobbies of Rick included drawing, painting models cars and playing video games. His biggest pride in life was being a father to Michael and Alec. Rick was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease in 2014, though symptoms arrived much earlier. It is his family’s wish that we all learn more about this insidious disease with the intention of finding a cure. Though it stole so much, one thing Huntington’s could never steal is our memories of the handsome man with a heart of gold. Rick will be missed beyond measure. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at White Oak Health Campus for their loving care of Rick the past few years.

Visitation Saturday, November 25, 2023 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. with a funeral service at 5:00 P.M. with Rev. Fr. Tom Conde officiating at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN. Memorial donations may be given to Huntington’s Disease Of America Foundation
(www.HDSA.org)  For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guest book at www.SMITSFH.com