John DiPuma Obituary
John DiPuma
John DiPuma went to sleep in death on Saturday, August 14, 2010.
He was born on July 16, 1962, a son of Sylvia and James DiPuma. He is also survived by his sister, Catherine Wilkinson and his brother, Charles DiPuma.
At the age of 14, John received a transplanted kidney from his father. He had a deep appreciation for that gift and the 25 years of life it made possible for him before kidney failure left him again needing dialysis.
Through all of the health problems that John suffered, he maintained a positive and cheerful outlook that was an inspiration to others. In fact, John was always more concerned with how others were doing than with his own serious problems. Those who visited John to encourage him often found that they were the ones receiving the most encouragement.
John worked for the University of Virginia Transit Service and drove the Green Route and Central Grounds shuttle. Passengers and co-workers affectionately nicknamed him "Bulldog" because of his cheerfulness and determination in spite of his health problems.
John was baptized as one of Jehovah's witnesses on July 15, 1978. Because he made a serious study of the Bible, John had a strong confidence in the hope of a resurrection. He liked to talk with others about Jehovah God's promise in Revelation chapter 21 that there would be a "new earth" where death, pain, and sickness would be no more.
John's family wants all of his friends to feel welcome at a memorial service to be held 2 p.m. Saturday, August 21, 2010, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 101 Stephens Loop, Ruckersville, Virginia.
The family would also like to express their appreciation to the Greene County Rescue Squad for the kind assistance they provided.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Hanging Out in The Medford Kitchen
February 5, 2011
Joking Around On A Lazy Day
February 5, 2011
5K Walk For Life Net
February 5, 2011
Rita Buchanan
December 15, 2010
I still cant believe its been four months since my uncle John's passing.
I still expect to hear him answer the phone in his usual kind way,make me laugh with silly jokes and hear his infectious laugh. What a joy he was, all the days of his life. He had a heart of gold. He was always concerned about the welfare of others and went out of his way to show kindness.John carried a special light about him that was evident to all those around him.I was blessed to be able see him for that brief time upon arriving in Virginia. How saddened i was to learn he passed the next morning. I hope he knew how much i loved him and how thankful i was that he had been a part of my life. There will never been another like him.
Dear Uncle,never again will you have to suffer. Sleep now and live in Gods memory.
George J'Arrante'
October 26, 2010
Glory to God in the highest, for we had John DiPuma on earth. What a joy he was and a Great Man he WAS. John the world miss you and I know you will be one in HEAVEN. God Has Blessed You. You Were Gold!
Brittany Maslowsky
September 3, 2010
I worked at UTS with Bulldog for about a year; every day when we were in the office at the same time, he'd greet me by name, smile, and check up on me.
I remember once we had a very long conversation about his medical conditions, sign language and interpreting, and advice for living in New York City. Speaking to him that day calmed my fear of an unknown future, and made me want to carry on his kindness to others.
Thanks, John, for always taking the time to make every person you met feel valued and appreciated. I pray for you and your family and friends.
Bus Rider
August 25, 2010
John was an inspiration. What a great person and good example of how to treat others. He will be missed very much.
Robert Wilkinson
August 24, 2010
John was a great guy and was loved by all. I don't know a single person who met John and didn't like him. A large beautiful turn out at the Funeral Talk that was given for him. A real tribute to a warm and likeable guy who didn't have a bad word for a single soul he met. An example for all. Family from NY and VA were in attendance. A true Prince.
Catherine Wilkinson
August 24, 2010
John personified the quiet and mild spirit.He had a great laugh and loved
jokes.He was both funny and fun to be
around.He felt the pain of others in his
own heart.I could share any confidence
free of judgement.He called me doll. I called John my brother.
Pamela Daconta Ramsey
August 23, 2010
Dear Jim and Sylvia,
I was very saddened to hear about Johnny.
I remember him well. He was always so kind and happy. Whenever I would walk into the Westbury Kingdom Hall he would be the first one to greet me with a kind smile and a warm handshake.You did a fine job as parents to have raised such a loving human being. My prayers for comfort and endurance in this time of the end are with you.
All my love,
Zoila Schickler
August 23, 2010
Johnny,
You have always been a very loving,wonderful person.You gave inspiration and love to everyone you met.May you rest in peace.We love you Aunt Zoila & Uncle Joe Schickler
August 23, 2010
To John's Famiy,
Nancy, Jennifer and I are so deeply saddened to hear of your loss. To us, John was one of the most positive people we've known. Though we haven't seen him in many years, he has never left our thoughts.
He was such a wonderful example to us all in dealing with the hand he was dealt. He never complained, if anything he was just the opposite. He faced life with a smile. He was always beaming with a positive outlook.
Serving Jehovah brings great confort to us when we lose someone we love so dear to us. This, though, does not take away the pain we suffer. We know of the true promise of the ressurection but on a daily basis we must still cope with our loss.
Jehovah, too, suffers his loss. He no longer gets to hear his prayers. He, too, longs to see him again. He, too, must wait.
Just imagine the day he returns! Nothing will be able to keep him quiet ...and won't we all love it.
Jennifer & Glen Davis
Northport New York
August 22, 2010
John Raymond embraced unconditional love,humility,wit,and grace. May we all aspire to follow his example.
With love and admiration,
Uncle John and Aunt Lori
Charles Lein
August 21, 2010
My wife and I were deeply saddened by the news of John's passing. John was a good friend - one of the first I had in Jehovah's family. I have fond memories of being at the old place in Westbury (Sylvia was always such a kind and gracious host, and made me feel welcome whenever I was over to hang out and spend some fun times with John). John loved Jerry Lewis, and would have me in tears as he did his impression of perfectly memorized Lewis monologues.
My mom Marilyn loved John too, and was very happy that, in my younger years in Westbury congregation, I was able to rub shoulders with. and learn kindness and humor from, such a paragon of humility and courage. If she were here today, her heart would be broken for John not being with us anymore, and for the pain his family has to now endure.
Satan has snatched many loved ones from me this year, and now, sadly, Johnny is among that group. I look forward to the time when we will see him again, a time when Jehovah will fix all of our broken parts and restore us to the quality of life that John so deserved during his years on this earth, but was denied.
The Leins send all of our love, and we feel your pain in our hearts. A prince has left us, and we're poorer for it. Rest well, my friend - we'll see you soon.
Dori Bloss
August 21, 2010
When we lived in HI for two years, we supported John in his finding a suitable donor. Shortly thereafter, we received the most beautiful note from him in which he graciously thanked us for thinking of him. This note will be framed and cherished as a reminder of what sincere humility is all about. John was an exuberent child, a brave teenager and a positive adult who was thankful for each day of life and never focused on himself. It was a privelege to have known him and he will be thought of and remembered more than words can say. Our heartfelt condolences to Jim and Sylvia and Cathy and the rest of the family, as well as all those whose lives he touched in the congregation(s) and elsewhere.
Kevin and Dorinda Bloss
& Katherine Wilkinson
Amber Lanter
August 21, 2010
Caring for John at the Kidney Center was always an honor - he touched all of our lives (nurses, techs, other patients) with his positive attitude and smile - he is one of those men who will always be remembered and I am very fortunate to have known him.
Carla Myrtle
August 20, 2010
How proud parents must be whose son brought nothing but happiness to everyone he encountered. It was always a pleasure to talk with John. He loved sharing his ideas and opinions as we discussed education in public schools.
I'll always remember his kindness when he offered me his sport coat when I was cold. John put others ahead of himself and had a way of making everyone feel important and loved. He was a joy to be around and will be sorely missed. While we share John's hope of life in a paradise earth with perfect health and we look forward to seeing his smiling face again, we keep his family members in our prayers and offer deepest sympathy for their loss.
Elaine & Iran Schwartz
August 20, 2010
Our hearts go out to the DiPuma and Wilkinson family in your hour of loss. John's great faith strengthened his life and those around him.
Brenda Martin
August 20, 2010
To John's Family - I would sometimes ride the UVA bus which John drove--he was always a perfect gentleman, speaking to each and every person that boarded the bus. As we all left, he would wish us a good day. I am so sorry for your loss--he touched my life, as I am sure a lot of "UVA" lives have been made better because of John.
Brenda Martin - UVA Employee
August 20, 2010
August 20, 2010
Our heart goes out to John's family and all that knew him over the years. We haven't seen him for many years now, but our memories are always of such a kind and upbeat person. No matter what his hardships were, he was always so positive. It gave us all something to aspire to. I can remember him from the time I was a very little girl and I remember when he went through the kidney operation. It never changed him. He was always a special person with a spirit that couldn't be beaten. We look forward to a time when we can see him again in good health and tell him what a truly kind soul he was and how much he touched others with that quality.
-Lori & Bill Van Vuren, Annapolis,Maryland
Gary & Ruth Flood
August 20, 2010
Deepest sympathy for Jim & Sylvia and John's family and friends. We haven't seen John since he was a young man but have only the highest regard for his good natured, kind and generous soul. As he rests in God's memory, we hope to have the privilege of seeing him again one day in good health.
Gary Alt
August 19, 2010
The most remarkable thing about John was his great love for Jehovah and the truths of the Bible that were so close to his heart. That love, as well as his love for people in general (especially his spiritual brothers and sisters) led him to devoting much time to learning sign language, and translating at various assemblies.
John was also a positive person who never complained about anything. Even during the painful ordeal of his kidney dialysis treatments, and subsequent transplant in 1978, John remained upbeat and hopeful. I always admired his great bravery.
There will never be another John DiPuma.
Betty Ann Canizio
August 19, 2010
I have found memories of my cousin Johnny. He was always a kind and gentle soul. I remember when my Uncle Jimmy gave him his kidney, I was in awe of my uncle, especially that he made light of it. My heart breaks for Uncle Jimmy, and Aunt Sylvia who loved him so deeply. My prayers go out to cousin Cathy and cousin Charlie and all those who loved him. If you knew him it was impossible not too:)
Andrew Abbott
August 19, 2010
I worked with "Bulldog" at University Transit Service for over two years, and he really made every morning an excellent one. He had a lust for life that few could possibly match, despite all of the hardship and pain in his daily life. I saw him a few weeks ago and showed him our new bus, and he was like a kid in a candy store, asking questions about every little thing on it (he might have even known more about it than I did).
I'm thankful that I was able to see him again, will always carry his memory with me and try to exhibit the same optimism he always did. We're gonna miss you, buddy.
Lorin Erickson
August 19, 2010
In loving memory of a wonderful uncle. We will love you and miss you always.
Barbara Moriarty
August 19, 2010
I got to know John by riding the Central Grounds Shuttle. He was undoubtedly one of the kindest and most caring human beings I ever met. I loved talking with him and missed him dearly when he stopped driving the bus. Despite all his health problems John was always positive and upbeat. He was an inspiration to all those that rode the bus. I have very fond memories of him.
My heartfelt sympathy is extended to John's family.
Barbara Moriarty, Charlottesville, VA
Dawn Goodloe
August 18, 2010
John was one of my dearest customers and was always so positive and kind despite all the he had been through. Many thoughts and prayers to his family in this time of sorrow. Much love to Jim and Sylvia who I know are heart broken as am I. He fought a good fight and was loved by all who knew him.
Beth Powell
August 18, 2010
John DiPuma was a wonderful human being & unequivocally THE nicest, kindest person I've ever known. He has always been an inspiration to me, & always will be. We should all strive to be so gracious & appreciative of the life we're given. You were one-in-a-million John...
August 18, 2010
John will be missed by so many people. He will be greeted by so many in the promised resuraction. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim and Jean Weeks
Judy Pointer
August 18, 2010
John was one of the most wonderful people I've ever met. His smile and gentle mannerisms, his courtesy to everyone will be remembered so much. Even after he stopped driving the UVA bus, I'd see him in/out of the hospital coming for his dialysis and he was so cheerful. It was just about a month ago, I saw him in the cafeteria and we spoke-I am very sadden to hear of his passing.
May God bless you the family and I know that Heaven is rejoicing because a beautiful soul has come home to rest.
Beth Putnam
August 18, 2010
So sad to hear of John's passing. He was such a brave soul with such a kind and caring personality. He loved his family so much, and he was loved by his UVA Transplant family, especially Dr. Isaacs. I wish there were more people in the world like "Little Mario" (as his friend from Jaunt used to call him). You are in the arms of the angels now and free of your pain at last. My heartfelt sorrow goes out to his Mother and Father who loved their son dearly and made the ultimate sacrifice for John when he was a boy, and continued the enduring love througout his life.
Brenda Burns
August 18, 2010
May God Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. John was an inspiration to me. I first met him as a PD patient and then as a transplant recipient at UVA. He was always cheerful and pleasant. Praying for you all.
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