John Edward Dopyera

We enjoyed meeting John and Margaret at the 1997 Dobro Festival in Trnava, Slovakia. Such a nice couple and a pleasure to make friends. It really made the trip that much more special. Sending our condolences and love to the family at this time. We sure do miss them!

I met John in 1988 or 1989. A good friend of mine, who didn't play guitar, had a Dobro. I asked her why since she didn't seem to play any instruments and her interests were in science. Caroline Dopyera told me a bit about her family history, including her father John. When he came into town he and I spoke briefly. I was very impressed by the whole thing - the legacy, the psychologist son promoting the cause, the scientist grand daughter. Caroline and I had started a small T-shirt company using her scanning electron microscope photos of ants! (Still a good idea.) About a month ago, long after having lost touch with Caroline, I learned she had passed away ...quite a while ago. i was shocked and contacted some old friends from that era. I found John's contact info and strongly considered contacting him. I wish I had. So now, I read many sincere, heart-felt condolences and feel grateful for all of my interactions with the Dopyeras. May those closest to John find sustaining comfort during this time.

My sincerest condolences to Margaret and the Dopyera family!

I have fond memories of visiting with John every year at IBMA's Annual World of Bluegrass, and in helping to explore possible venues for the Dobro collection. I'd heard so much about the wonderful Dopyera hospitality and retreat in Pennsylvania and regret never having had the chance to visit.

John was a wonderful supporter of music and musicians, and in keeping the history/legacy of the Dobro alive and well. He will be greatly missed by many people!

What a wonderful crusade you went on, John, to preserve and promote the fabulous heritage you had! You gave countless fans and players of your dad and uncles' wonderful invention of the Dobro!! Thank you, Sir!!

We extend our love and sincere sympathy to you Margaret. Spending special time with John and you at your home in Pennsylvania during the dobro gatherings were occasions we still treasure. Wishing you comfort from your friends and family during this sorrowful time.

Dear Margaret - so sorry to hear of John's passing. We enjoyed visiting with you and John, chatting about the Warren, Pa. area, etc. You have many fond memories that will help you through this difficult time.
Fondly,
Pete & Bernice Leofsky
[email protected]

Wish I could hug each and every one of you!! My love to you all!!!

Margaret: I remember you and John well from May Memrorial. I also remember John's discussion of the Dobro. My sympathy to you and your family. Randy Archambault, Fayetteville, NY

Margaret, fond memories of John in the 70s at May Memorial and your place on Westmoreland with its the "paper" street. Hope you're well.

Margaret, my very best to you and your entire family. John will be missed. Rog Hiemstra

There will be an empty chair at the holiday table this year, but it will be filled with loving memories.
Sorry for you loss. May God give you Peace...

Dear Margaret,
Brian and I send our sympathy to you. We greatly enjoyed getting to know John and recall fondly our visit with you in Pennsylvania. He will be missed.
Love, Susan and Brian Earle

I'm so sorry the the great loss our thoughts and prayer are with you!

Margaret and Family, We trust you are well and know you will carry him in your heart and mind forever, as we will. Our deepest thoughts go to you these days. Sorry we can not be there to commemorate.
Mark Clifford and Beth Bartley
(VOX VIOLINS)

Margaret, my regards, and may the memories of you and John coming so often to hear us (Djug Django) play in all our various venues over the years last long

With sincere sympathy to John's family--may his warmth and joyous laugh resonate with all of us, always.

Dear Margaret,
My sincerest condolences. John sought me to design a conference center in Ithaca. His optimism was always shown in his smile. I shall miss him dearly.

Dear Margaret,
Working with John on the Loud & Clear exhibition of resonator instruments was one of my all-time favorite exhibit projects. It has been a pleasure to know you both, and only regret that we haven't had time to see more of John and you. Our hearts go out to you.
John Vanco and Kelly Armor

I will always have a special place in my heart for wonderful John E.Dopyera.
With deepest sympathy.
Martina & Viera Blescak

I will always have a special place in my heart for wonderful John E. Dopyera.
With deepest sympathy.
Martina & Viera Blescak

I'm thinking of you, Barbara and Doug and kids, Suzanne and Bruce and kids, Margaret and Marylou, and Caroline. John was a welcoming supportive adult during my childhood years shared with all of you in the Dopyera family. I'm terribly sorry for loss of his presence in your lives, and send you my warmest healing wishes.
Carolyn Kosoff Ingleson

Dear Barbara and Suzanne, I have so many nice memories of your Dad when we were little. What a warm hearted and kind soul. I really love the tribute that you wrote - I learned a few things I did not know! I'm so very very sorry for your loss, and best wishes to both of you, your families, and to your Mom (Mary Lou Dopyera). Love to you all - Annika

John was a joyous person.

Prayers and sweet memories to the family and especially Margaret and the girls...our family wishes you peace...Barbara Jean Dopyera's family (cousin)

What a true gentleman. A pleasure to visit and talk with , we will miss him.

My sincere condolences.

R.I.P. and God bless.
Aloha

I visited with John's father at his shop in California in the 60's. He repaired a crack in the back of my Lloyd Loar F5 mandolin' I had the opportunity to attend the Dobro Fest in Trnava.Slovakia' We visited the little village where the Dopryera family lived. I had the pleasure of talking and visiting with John many times over the years. My condolences to the family.
Tut Taylor

The Burch family of Kentucky would like to extend our condolences to the Dopyera family. We met John and Margaret in Trnva Slovakia at the Dobro Fest in 1997. They were a delight to be with. What a intelligent and educated man! His father John Sr. influenced my entire life with the invention of the Dobro guitar, the most beautiful instrument I had ever heard! We wish the family many happy memories of John Jr. for many years to come! Curtis Burch &family

Rest in Peace dear John

With Love