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JOHN LOPES Obituary
John F. Lopes Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, (Ret.)
Died on July 27, 2018. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Colonel Lopes graduated from the University of Hawaii in 1953 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education.After graduation, he joined the Army, completing both the Basic and Advanced Infantry Officer Courses, and the Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia. In 1967, he attended the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.He served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He also served in Thailand, New Zealand, Germany and numerous assignments in the United States. Colonel Lopes retired in 1976 after 24 years of service.After military service, Colonel Lopes became a substitute teacher in the Montgomery County Maryland Public Schools. He also did volunteer work at his favorite school, Forest Knolls Elementary School in Silver Spring, for 30 years. He was loved by the children, became a mentor and was a positive role model. His outstanding volunteer work was recognized by the State of Maryland and the Montgomery County Teachers Association.Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Janet; three children, Johnnye Tamaru (Robert), Jamie Folk (Robert Lipman), and Jeffery (Terri); four grandchildren, Laura Simon (Thomas), Michael Tamaru, Joanna Folk and John Folk; a great-grandson, Aaron Simon; and his sister, Sylvia Mahoney (Walter). His older brother, Manuel (Michiko) pre-deceased him.A memorial service will be held on August 25, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the Chapel in Riderwood Village, 3110 Gracefield Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Attendees will directed to the appropriate parking area by the gate guards. Shuttle service to the chapel will be available.In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made in the Memory of John Lopes to the Riderwood Benevolent Care Fund. Donations may be mailed to: Riderwood Philanthropy, 3110 Gracefield Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Please note "John Lopes Memorial" in the memo field on the donation check Plans are underway for John to be buried at Arlington Memorial Cemetery. The timing of this is not currently available.
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Memories and Condolences
for JOHN LOPES
Sponsored by Janet Lopes.
Candi Alvarenga
February 17, 2022
I don´t know what to say and I don´t know how I feel. I have mixed emotions. I never thought he would leave without saying one last goodbye. He was a wonderful tutor and like my grandpa. He was so sweet to me. I remember that I went to fkes and about every morning he would come down the halls to pick me up and would bring me to his studio where he was working with ms.micheal.he would be helping me with my math and yes sometimes he would bring snacks. But once he started to munch. I would be embarrassed that my stomach would be the one getting me in trouble. But he always shared his snacks. Just so that I can understand the math better. I would also remember were watching where the red fern grow and for some parts I would cry and he would comfort me in a way saying it´s okay that happens. But there is always something positive that would come out of this. I just wish I could pay my respects and thank him even though he is gone. And my condolences to the family.
T H
November 11, 2018
Mr Lopes we loved you, you always made my day whenever you would stop me in the halls and take pictures of me. I remember you took this one picture of me on my birthday. We love you, rest in piece. ❤
August 24, 2018
What beautiful testimonies. I'm sad to have never met him but know he raised a wonderful son. May the memories and testimonies be a continued comfort.
Jae Lee
August 15, 2018
Thank you for your commitment to the Asian Pacific American educators in MCPS! You will be greatly missed.
Crystal Shub
August 14, 2018
You rarely meet someone with such genuine and positive energy. Mr. Lopes blessed the Forest Knolls community with his love and grace. I am thankful to have known him all my life. A true angel. I promise to spread the love and positivity that you instilled in me at such a young age. I love you, Mr. L! ❤
Yael Faleder
August 8, 2018
Janet and family , My heartfelt condolences..John will always have a special place in my heart from the many beautiful memories and photos he has left us with. His heart of gold and sweet smile will always be remembered. Truly thinking of you....
Samantha Shub
August 8, 2018
One of greatest men I ever knew. Thank you for your kind soul and unlimited time dedicated to the school and community.
Christopher Russell
August 7, 2018
My condolences to the Lopes family for their loss. Mr. Lopes was a kind and genuine neighbor for so many years on Kenbrook Drive.
charlene Everett
August 7, 2018
I was fortunate enough to attend Forest Knolls and to know Mr. Lopes everyone's favorite teacher and a wonderful human being. Prayers to his loved ones.
John & Tish Toner
August 7, 2018
Janet, Jamie, and all the Lopes family, we are so sorry for your loss and know he will be sorely missed by everyone.
Laura Hamasian-Burkett
August 7, 2018
I have wonderful memories of such a wonderful teacher... I am a 50 yr old woman now, who had the honor as a little girl, to be taught by Mr Lopes. Over the years, I often thought about him and wondered how he was. I remember lining up to his desk with other students, just to have him write our names in his beautiful calligraphy... I'd never seen such beautiful writing before him! He was a gentle,sweet, kind man... Mr Lopes, you've have touched many young hearts over the years... May you rest in eternal peace.
Vern Sahlyeh
August 4, 2018
Thank you Sir for the positive influence you had on my, and so many others lives. I regret not having the opportunity to tell you this in person.
I also was one of his students at Forest Knolls decades ago. I fondly remember when my teacher would tell us they were going to be out the next day, and like a symphony the entire class would yell, "Are we getting Mr. Lopes?!"
May his memories bring us all comfort.
Vern Sahlyeh
Meg Levine
August 4, 2018
Mr. Lopes was a kind person. He was always there to teach another person the thrill of learning new skill, offer a kind word after a bad day or just be the positive person that many children needed. I was lucky to have had him in my life, and I hope he knows how many people were better for knowing him as well.
Amanda Lay
August 4, 2018
Mr. Lopez,
I went to FK during a very special time. You are a blessing and made that time even more special. I still remember your smile and your love for all children. You are loved, will be missed, and now watch over us from Heaven. I love you.
Stephanie Abrams
August 4, 2018
Mr. Lopes was my favorite substitute teacher. He taught me calligraphy and was always so fun and fun-loving. He was a wonderful man. I've actually been thinking a lot about him lately, 35 years later! He had a huge impact on a huge number of lives, and I'm very sorry for your family's loss.
Kim Gandy
August 4, 2018
Mr. Lopes,
I have fond memories of you at Forest Knolls when I was there in the 80s. You were a loving, patient, and a caring teacher who helped guide students and helped us see the amazing world around us. Even now, 40+ years later, the image of your smiling face and willingness to write everyone's name in calligraphy for them makes me smile. You truly were one of a kind and you will be missed.
Savi Beharry
August 4, 2018
Mr Lopez was the most kindnest, sweetest guy I ever met. He taught me about life and he was a great mentor. He will be missed. Until we meet again. Rest in peace.
Miriam Hislop
August 4, 2018
Mr. Lopes was an amazing man and I remember him very fondly from my years at FKES in the 70's. Always a smile, always a kind word. A very calming presence. He was a very good friend to my mom, Deena Osheroff, a substitute teacher at the school for many years. I hope the family takes comfort in knowing how many lives he touched and how much he was loved.
Joseph Peet
August 4, 2018
John, you were a mentor to more than just children. You were a great influence on my early working years and I will never forget the stories you told me as well as your love of serving others. You defined what the Forest Knolls community should always strive to be like.
I am going to miss you, sir.
Your Forest Knolls colleague 87-06
Chris Amtower
August 3, 2018
Mr. Lopes was a volunteer at Forest Knolls when I went to school there back in the 80's. I will always remember him for being extremely kind and caring to me and all the students he came across. He was one of my most favorite people at the school. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to all his friends and family.
August 3, 2018
Great example for the children he volunteered to serve at Forest Knolls!
Nate Edelberg
Sue Kendall
August 3, 2018
Sympathy and love to Jeff and family.
Heidi Rhodes
August 3, 2018
John was my sister's father-in-law. He and Janet always made me so welcome into their family. We'll miss you at brunch John.
Crystal Limones
August 3, 2018
Mr. Lopez,
My daily sunshine as a student in FKES. His kindness and love for all eminated our hearts for years beyond elementary school. He will be missed.
August 3, 2018
sincere condolences to the Lopes family. may you find comfort in knowing that God is near to all those calling on him. Psalms 145:18
RK
August 2, 2018
Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences at this time of your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1, 2
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