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John Pride Obituary

John Lewis Pride passed away peacefully on September 22, 2024 at home, surrounded by family. He was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio and graduated from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, where he was a basketball and track star. After college, he went to Howard University's graduate school in Washington, DC and ended up staying in the DC/MD area for 60 years.
John worked for the Federal Government for 35 years across various departments, including the Department of Health and Human Services. As a young field worker in 1966, John travelled through Appalachia to investigate State's compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (desegregation), which led to the landmark Kerner Commission report under President Johnson. After retiring in 2003, John went on to serve as the Executive Director of The National Practitioners Network for Fathers and Family and as a consultant monitoring Head Start program compliance across the country.
John's passion for service inspired him to volunteer with many organizations and serve on various boards. His chronically jovial, easy going spirit was a draw to all he met and resulted in many deep, abiding and lifelong friendships. It was always the simple things that made John the happiest- reading The Washington Post every morning, watching sports, having a winning poker hand, enjoying delicious BBQ, recommending a TV show and telling a good joke.Above all however, he loved bragging about his children and grandchildren.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Sallie; his four children, Jacqueline, Curtis, Christine, Leonda, and their families, including seven grandchildren; as well as a multitude of beloved extended family members.
He was predeceased by his parents, Sippie and Lensie Pride and brother Douglas Pride.
To continue his legacy of serving and giving, donations in John's honor can be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. A link for a digital obituary with photos can be found at Afterall.com. Service private.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Oct. 5, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries

William Woodman

November 21, 2024

John Pride was one of my best friends at Capital U. Our sophomore year in 1960-61 we lived in the "Paradise House" on Pleasant Ridge Ave. It was just purchased by the University and converted to a student residence so we were allowed to name it. The name we initially chose was rejected, but we persevered and came up with the name that actually stuck. It was a great mix of about 12-13 students including athletes (football, track and basketball), music majors and minority students. Al White was our "resident counselor". Because of the diversity within the house, it was a great learning experience to interact on a daily basis with the residents. John and I engaged in some very memorable weekend activities at the Paradise House including hosting "card tournaments" (poker) and greeting trick or treaters on Halloween. Since gambling was verboten at Capital then, we never played for real money. But it was a welcome break from studying. I am proud to say that I had the honor of nominating John for induction into the Capital U. Athletic Hall of Fame. John was not only a fine student but a great athlete in basketball and track. I still remain friends with the family, wife Sallie, son Curtis, Jacqui and Christy. I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to know John and be counted among his best friends. Love you, John

Jim Demo

November 20, 2024

John Pride, A great teammate and a great person. I was proud to call you my friend. Rest in peace.

Tom Moriarty Jr

October 6, 2024

Curtis, sorry for your loss. Prayers and condolences.

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