Richard Bowman Johnston

Richard Bowman Johnston, 75, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, in his daughter’s home in Tampa, Florida. Born on January 19, 1950, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Iola Catherine (Bowman) Johnston and Dr. John Howard Johnston.

Richard graduated from Wethersfield High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University. He later received his Juris Doctor from the Boston University School of Law, and also earned a certificate in International Relations and Law from Oxford University in England.

Richard enjoyed a distinguished and multifaceted career. He was a Connecticut-licensed attorney specializing in real estate development and commercial leasing and was also a licensed real estate broker in both Connecticut and Florida. He was known for his service as a Connecticut State Senator, representing the 9th Senatorial District beginning in 1984. In addition, Richard served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Humane Society for 24 years. His professional accomplishments were widely recognized, including honors such as Connecticut’s Outstanding Young Citizen Award and the Hartford Jaycees’ Man of the Year Award.

Later in life, Richard relocated to Florida to be near his daughter, Julia, who attended the University of Florida. He spent his later years living in Sarasota and Tampa with Julia, to whom he was deeply devoted. Richard loved long walks and had a natural gift for making friends along the way, especially with the many furry companions he encountered. He had a genuine sense of humor, and he loved to dress in a suit and tie while most of the business world preferred casual attire. Always a gentleman, many referred to him as “Senator”.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Julia Whitney Johnston of Tampa, Florida; his sister, Betsy Johnston and her son, John Bartlett; and his brother, Todd Johnston and his wife Diane, along with their children, Andrew Johnston and Katherine Johnston Cressey.

May God bless Richard Bowman Johnston as he is reunited with his beloved parents, family members, and cherished pets.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 17 at 11:00 a.m. at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 453 Fairfield Avenue, Hartford. Attendees are asked to meet at 10:30 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield to go in procession to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111 or online at https://cthumane.org/. To share a memory of Richard, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.