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John Lorenz Obituary
John Caldwell Lorenz, age 59, passed away February 21, 2025, in San Francisco, CA. John is survived by his mother Margaret Caldwell Lorenz (Woodstock, VA); daughter Hannah; brother Steve Lorenz; sister-in-law Myra McGovern; three nephews; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who loved him dearly. He is predeceased by his father John R. (Jack) Lorenz.
John was born Sept 30, 1965 in St. Louis, MO and moved to Alexandria, VA in 1973 with his family. He graduated from TC Williams High School where he rowed varsity crew. He attended Virginia Commonwealth and George Mason Universities and the California Institute of Integral Studies.
In the 1980/90s, John was part of the punk rock scene in Washington DC. With his best friend Matt Ray, he performed with Media Disease and I.N.I.C.U. He was known as a fierce bicycle courier in downtown DC.
After settling in San Francisco, John was affiliated with several social justice groups. He was employed at San Francisco General Hospital as an associate social worker specializing in addiction cases. John was known for his ability to befriend marginalized groups such as the residents of the Tenderloin in that city.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Contributions in his name may be made to organizations addressing mental health and addiction.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Lorenz
Brenda Bryant
April 14, 2025
John was a true brother to me. He was one of my best buddies in the whole world and someone I had known for most of my life. No matter what might had been going on in each of our individual lives, he would always lend an ear and have such a heartfelt presence. It didn't matter if there weren't any answers. Many times it was enough to just listen and be present for people.
He had a love for all kinds of music which was an inspiring outlet for all of us kids on Capitol Hill, but especially for John. He flourished when he was involved in creating and contributing to part of the group. That inspiration and excitement took us from DC all around the country and, ultimately, to San Francisco where a few of us settled down and started our own families.
He loved anything on two wheels like the Harley Davidson he once had. I was always in awe when he would ride his road bike hundreds of miles through the hills of the city, across the Golden Gate Bridge, and up Mt Tam or even further - just for fun! In later years, he mentioned to me that he was trying his hand at stand up comedy, which would have been a real hoot.
Sail on, John. We miss you! Love, SistaB
Lydia
March 28, 2025
Heartbroken to hear this! We had plans to reconnect in person when he came home from DC, and I was really looking forward to it.
I loved Johnny very much and was his romantic partner for about 8 years. We went through a lot together, not least of which was 8 miscarriages. Our relationship ended amicably.
My daughter Ashen and I used to really love when Margaret would come to the bay area to visit Johnny and Hannah. It was one of the only times Ashen and Hannah--who loved each other--were allowed to hang out together, and it was it was just beyond darling.
Since Hannah's on would never allow Hannah to accompany them, Margaret would sponsor Ashen and me to join Margaret and Johnny on all sorts of vacation adventures, usually in beautiful north bay. Luxurious little bed and breakfasts, lunches at beach chalets...a vacation with them was certainly never disappointing.
The only caveat was that it became impossible for me to ever impress Ashen after so many posh spoil sessions with Margaret.
I was getting more and more worried when Johnny didn't answer my texts. I will miss his friendship terribly, and remember the good times we had fondly.
Molly
March 27, 2025
John,
My Favorite Rowing Partner TCW!
Love,
Molly
Molly
March 26, 2025
John,
He Is Risen! 2025!
Love,
Molly
Molly
March 26, 2025
John,
Happy Easter 2025!
Love,
Molly
Molly
March 25, 2025
John,
Best Rowing Team At TCW!
Molly
Molly
March 25, 2025
John,
We Will See You Everyday In The Sunrise & Sunset!
Molly
Kenny Dread
March 25, 2025
John and I shared the deep bond of punk n reggae performance with I.N.I.C.U. and an amazing cross-country road trip that brought us both to San Francisco. Never forget this brother in arms :(
Julie Bird
March 25, 2025
DC in the 80´s wasn´t easy on youth and John came with collaboration, creativity and a large personality to the Olive Tree group and fully integrated with PMA and crossing over musical genres. "Breaking down the barriers". He kept the spirits up when he joined cross country tours and for that we were very grateful.
Suzy Perkins
March 24, 2025
Ah, Margaret. I am so, so sad for you, and Steve, and everyone else who has known and loved John. I can't take away your pain; please know we all share it. He was a good guy; you are a great mom. Love to you.
Molly
March 24, 2025
John,
See You In The Kingdom Of Heaven!
Molly
March 24, 2025
John,
We Had Fun On TCW Rowing Team!
Carol and Mike Foster
March 24, 2025
Our condolences to John's loved ones. He was a good person who worked to help others who badly needed the help he gave them and was tireless in his efforts. His family had every reason to be proud of him as a son.
Lee and Eileen Simmons
March 22, 2025
May the Lord hold you in His tender embrace and console your aching heart always, especially during this painful time of sorrow. May the Lord bless you and keep you, let His face shine upon you and give you His peace.
Deb
March 22, 2025
Dear Margaret,
My heart goes out to you on the loss of your son, John. You and Jack were great parents and always did what you could to be supportive of him. You will miss him always. Be the strong woman we all know and thinking of you always.
Syntha
March 21, 2025
blessings on your journey
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