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John Thomas Santopolo
John Thomas Santopolo
February 19, 2021
John Thomas Santopolo, of Rocky Mount, Virginia, died on Friday, February 19, 2021. He was preceded in death by his mother, Madalyn P. Santopolo of Roanoke, Va. and his father, Frank A. Santopolo of Fort Collins, Colo.
John grew up in Roanoke and was a proud graduate of Jefferson High School, Class of 1964. He was a United States Marine Corps veteran and a retired Roanoke City Police Department Sergeant with 22 years of service. After retirement John enjoyed working on projects at home, taking annual trips to Myrtle Beach and learning to play golf. He made many new friends playing golf and looked forward to the weekly rounds with "the guys" at Blue Hills.
John is survived by his wife, loving friend and caregiver, Ruth; special uncle and aunt, Don and Edith Peters; and cherished cousins. He is also survived by brothers, Micheal (Chrissy) Santopolo and Tony Santopolo; brothers-in-law, James and Hubert (Judy) Bowman; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth (Elwood) Oakes and Peggy Bowman; nieces and nephews; and numerous friends.
The family expresses appreciation to all health care workers and first responders - especially to the following, Dr. Bruce Long and Staff at Carilion Clinic General Surgery; Dr. Gregory Stidham and Staff at Carilion Clinic Family Medicine; Staff at Franklin Memorial and Roanoke Memorial Hospitals; and Home Health Nurses. Your care and compassion helped us make it through this last year and especially the last week.
Celebrate John's life with a toast to memories of good times shared or a funny story that he would have appreciated. Private services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John's name to The National D-Day Memorial Foundation, P. O. Box 77, Bedford, VA 24523. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center.
February 19, 2021
John Thomas Santopolo, of Rocky Mount, Virginia, died on Friday, February 19, 2021. He was preceded in death by his mother, Madalyn P. Santopolo of Roanoke, Va. and his father, Frank A. Santopolo of Fort Collins, Colo.
John grew up in Roanoke and was a proud graduate of Jefferson High School, Class of 1964. He was a United States Marine Corps veteran and a retired Roanoke City Police Department Sergeant with 22 years of service. After retirement John enjoyed working on projects at home, taking annual trips to Myrtle Beach and learning to play golf. He made many new friends playing golf and looked forward to the weekly rounds with "the guys" at Blue Hills.
John is survived by his wife, loving friend and caregiver, Ruth; special uncle and aunt, Don and Edith Peters; and cherished cousins. He is also survived by brothers, Micheal (Chrissy) Santopolo and Tony Santopolo; brothers-in-law, James and Hubert (Judy) Bowman; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth (Elwood) Oakes and Peggy Bowman; nieces and nephews; and numerous friends.
The family expresses appreciation to all health care workers and first responders - especially to the following, Dr. Bruce Long and Staff at Carilion Clinic General Surgery; Dr. Gregory Stidham and Staff at Carilion Clinic Family Medicine; Staff at Franklin Memorial and Roanoke Memorial Hospitals; and Home Health Nurses. Your care and compassion helped us make it through this last year and especially the last week.
Celebrate John's life with a toast to memories of good times shared or a funny story that he would have appreciated. Private services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John's name to The National D-Day Memorial Foundation, P. O. Box 77, Bedford, VA 24523. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published by Roanoke Times from Feb. 21 to Feb. 28, 2021.
MEMORIAL EVENTS
GUEST BOOK
15 Entries
Ruth and Family,
Thinking of you at this very sad time. John was very lucky to have you by his side in his last days.
Love to our very special friend.
Wayne and Pat
Wayne and Patricia Duffy
March 1, 2021
So sorry for your loss, may you find peace
Bud C Jones
February 28, 2021
I remember the good Sgt. as our driving instructor during my academy days and then later as good supervisor in the traffic bureau. Rest In Peace.
W.G. Boucher
February 28, 2021
So very sorry to hear of Cosmo´s passing..,he was one of the "good guys"! We were in classes together at JHS. My deepest sympathy to the family...RIP John
Marie Lovell
February 28, 2021
I knew John from birth! His mom, a nurse and best friend of my mother, was present at my birth. She was also my godmother. My parents were Poff and Elizabeth Simpson and
My Granny Falls lived directly across the street from John `s family. John and I grew up together. We were good friends. The last time I saw him we were in our 40´s and John was with the Roanoke Police Department, Ruth, I am devastated for your loss and so sad I lost the chance to say goodby. I loved that guy!
Kay Simpson Traube
February 26, 2021
John's mother was a dear friend to my parents Poff and Elizabeth Falls Simpson. I have many memories of him on Greenbrier Ave. as a neighbor to my grandmother. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time
Beth Simpson Huddleston
February 26, 2021
My deepest sympathies to John's family. He was a wonderful gentleman, a fine leader and teacher as a sergeant of police, and a great officer and person who will be missed by all who knew him. God bless you John.
B.A. "Mac" McGhee
February 26, 2021
I went to school with John and we remained friends until I moved to Richmond. John never met a stranger and he had the most wonderful smile and was always cracking jokes. John was a true gentleman and I am sure a compassionate Police Officer. My Prayers go out to the family as well as his Fellow Officers. I will always cherish the wonderful memories of John. He may be gone but he will never be forgotten. God Bless. Gail "Wilson" Davis JHS Class '63.
Gail "Wilson" Davis
February 23, 2021
Sorry to hear of Johnny's passing. Good friend and police officer.
Gordon Willoughby
Friend
February 23, 2021
My sincerest sympathies to the family in your loss. John was a good friend and work partner at the p. d. I have many great memories of him as a friend "on and off duty ".
R L Rusty Ross
February 22, 2021
A great friend to me and my father who will deeply missed, especially at Blue Hills. Hit em straight my friend.
Larry Gray
February 22, 2021
I was in the same class as John, so sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers for you all
Carolyn Crigger Fulton
February 21, 2021
Sorry to hear of Johns passing. Was a good friend and co-worker for many years at Roanoke P.D.
Also both of us grew up in Southeast and went to same schools.
Terry Blankenship
February 21, 2021
Semper Fi Marine
Danny Rippee
February 21, 2021
I would like to offer my condolences and deepest sympathy to the family.
Vince Morath
February 21, 2021