Richard T. Johnson

Richard T. Johnson died Feb. 21 at San Simeon by the Sound Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Greenport, where he had resided since 2008.

Born in Utica, N.Y., in 1925, he grew up in Bronxville and attended Williams College, where he majored in economics and linguistics. He served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II, surviving the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, Mr. Johnson continued his post-graduate studies at the University of Geneva. He spent his career in the automobile industry covering Latin and South America. He also dabbled in theater, family members said, and wrote “All the Girls Came out To Play,” which was produced on Broadway.

Mr. Johnson lived most of his life in Montauk, where he was very active in local politics and conservation. He was a founding member of Concerned Citizens of Montauk, an organization that has preserved over 70  percent of Montauk as protected open space. He was also a passionate collector of African tribal art and an avid gardener, according to his family.

Predeceased by his sister, Barbara Walton, Mr. Johnson is survived by his nieces and nephews, Frances Walton, David Katz and Thomas and Debby Walton, and his great-nephews, Charley and Henry Walton.

Arrangements were handled by Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport. A service will be held Saturday, March 30, at 4 p.m. at Fort Hill Cemetery in Montauk.

Memorial donations may be made to San Simeon by the Sound Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.