Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
John Poore Obituary
John was born on July 22, 1942, to Dorothy (maiden name Capstran) and Roy Poore in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from high school and college at the University of Chicago, John spent his time working a career in public service, beginning with the Peace Corps which provided him the opportunity to travel overseas, and continuing on with the federal government. John continued his education throughout his career and in 2006, earned his doctorate in Education.
In 1981, John met Diana Schmelzer while he was living in Virginia. John and Diana went on to date for many years before he retired and moved to California with Diana. They continued to live together for many, many happy years before finally getting married in 2019.
After retiring, John continued to keep himself busy teaching and traveling. John was a loving father and devoted husband with a love of animals and a generous heart. He will be deeply missed.
John is survived by his wife, Diana, sons Andrew Poore and Cory Schmelzer, daughter Kara Schmelzer, grandchildren Mila, Reeva, Derik, Grant, and Cole, and sister, Patricia Poore Nance.
In his memory and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Pretty Good Cat or Greenly Art Space.
Pretty Good Cat c/o Judy Taylor
6475 Pacific Coast Highway #432
Long Beach, Ca 90803
website: www.prettygoodcat.com
Greenly Art Space
2698 Junipero Ave. #113
Signal Hilll, CA 90755
or through the website at:
WwwGreenlyartspacce.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Robert Trachtenberg
January 13, 2025
Many thoughts about John. Once, John brought Andy to my office. He was about 8. Andy wasn´t impressed with my fancy office but he did say to me "It´s nice to be nice to other people " So precious. I also remember when John told me how much he adored Diana, who as I recall was principal of Andy´s school. Diana didn´t want to have much to do with John at first but typical of John´s drive, she finally relented.
I think of John and our escapades together often and with great affection.
Robert Trachtenberg
March 30, 2023
John worked with me at SSA. He was the most gifted manager who ever worked for me. We got important things done but also had a lot of fun. My sympathies to Diana, who I knew he was crazy about and Andy who he loved so much. Bob Trachtenberg
Jan Cowles
March 6, 2023
I had the pleasure of being John's hair stylist. He was always cheerful. He loved to tell stories about the cat from next door who loved to come to his house. He loved my dog Pippa when I brought her to my hair studio. He was kind, considerate and a pleasure to know. My heart goes out to his family. RIP John. You will be missed.
Soua (Shoo-wa)
February 16, 2023
Diana and family, My heart goes out to you during this time of sorrow.
John and I met during his time as a Professor at DeVry University back in 2004. I was the new Center Coordinator for the Irvine location and my first day meeting John is a day I will always remember. He made things difficult at first and through the challenges, he helped me to push my capabilities to the fullest and for that I am forever grateful. During the holidays I was in the Long Beach area, and I thought of John, wondering how he is doing. I then received a message from a good friend, Sara Matin of the news. John was not only a great mentor but an amazing person inside and out.
He will be dearly missed.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Diana M Cain
January 20, 2023
Rob & I met John on many occasions for South Lakes HS events over 15 years; he was always a kind gentleman & a pleasure to see again. We send our sincere sympathy, love & prayers.
Jim Powell
January 20, 2023
Diana, John was an awesome man with and will be missed by many. God bless you and your family.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in John Poore's name
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Poore's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
