Richard K. Johansen of Beach Lake, PA, died peacefully at home on April 10, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Rich was born November 12, 1955, in Staten Island, NY, to Grace (Behling) and R. Kenneth Johansen. He grew up in Peekskill, NY, but the place that mattered most to him was the Upper Delaware River Valley. As a boy, Rich spent summers at his grandparents’ resort, Peggy Runway Lodge, on the Pennsylvania side of the Narrowsburg Bridge. Those summers began a lifelong connection to the region and the place he would eventually choose to make his home.

Rich married Anne Cahill in 1978. They built their home on the Delaware River and raised their three children. The river Rich loved as a child became the backdrop for nearly five decades of marriage, family, friendships and the life he and Anne created together.

Rich built his career in the arts, where his skills contributed to monumental sculptures and public works of art, as well as the restoration of many famous and historic buildings. It was a craft that suited him: taking an artist’s idea and, through skill, patience and physical craftsmanship, helping create beauty that will be appreciated for generations.

Creativity was a constant throughout Rich’s life. He was a builder, creator and dreamer. His home was his never-ending, always evolving project. The stone walls he built surrounding his property are a true feat of engineering, determination and masterful talent. The intricate woodwork inside is the work of his own vision, made in his home workshop. He experimented and continually found ways to turn the things he imagined into something tangible. While the house is a physical record of Rich’s passions, most importantly, he created a warm, welcoming home that became the heart of his entire family.
A gifted, self-taught musician, Rich loved the guitar. He reveled in playing at live shows with his band, jamming at family parties and in his music room. His connection to music extended far beyond playing. He hand-made exquisite electric guitars, bringing together two of the things that came most naturally to him: music and artistry.

Rich built something greater than any object his hands could make: a family and memories that will continue through the people who loved him. He is survived by Anne, his wife of 46 years and the love of his life; his daughter Kerrie Nowak and her husband Dan; his daughter Alyssa; his son Gregory and his wife Allison; and seven adored grandchildren: Jack, Gray, Kate, Vivie, George, Annie and Stellan. Rich is also survived by a loving family of siblings: sisters LouAnn (Thom) Joyce, Lauren (Roy) Schlagenhaft and Lynn (Bob) Costello; and brothers Russ (Kathy) and Rob (Jen); and in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Rich’s life will be held at the Central House Family Resort, 81 Milanville Road in Beach Lake, PA on Saturday, November 21 at noon. All who knew and loved Rich are invited to gather and celebrate the life of a man who brought so much joy and merriment to ours.