John Antonio Lopes, Jr.

John Antonio Lopes, Jr. was born on June 30, 1939, in San Francisco, California, the only child of John and Virginia Lopes. John attended and graduated from Galileo High School in San Francisco, California in 1958. During his junior year in high school, John was a member of the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (JROTC), Company B and the high school orchestra, where his passion for music began. He loved and played the drums. By aged 16, John was playing in jazz bands and sat in with some of the “greats”, including Count Basie. He loved jazz so much that it became a major part of his life. After high school, John entered the United States Air Force, where he served two tours, four years each. One tour at March Air Force Base, Riverside County, California and his second tour at McCoy Air Force Base, Orlando, Florida. During both terms of service, he was trained, and performed as a “Jet Engine Technician”. John received “Meritorious Service Medals and Commendations”, including the National Defense Service Medal, AFM 900-3; and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal (AFGCM). John was Honorably Discharged from the United States Air Force in 1969. John, as he continued to play music during his tours of duty, competed in talent shows and was known to win, usually the first- place award for many of his performances. While stationed at McCoy AFB, John would play at Club Eaton and The Quarterback Club. Once discharged from the Air Force, John returned to San Francisco, CA where he worked with disabled children. He was soon employed by Air Cal in Oakland, California which later became known as American Airlines. John relocated to Orlando and once established in the Orlando area, John and Eliza rekindled their love. Although raised under The Roman Catholic Faith, John and Eliza joined The New Covenant Baptist Church of Orlando, where they both were baptized. On February 14, 1996, John and Eliza were united in marriage by the Reverend Dr. Randolph Bracy, Jr. Although a relatively quiet person, John adored his wife, and doted on the children and grandchildren, and they all returned his love with love. John leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 26 years, Eliza M. Lopes; Stepdaughter, LaSharon Clayton, Apopka, Florida; Stepson, McCathorn (Mack) Clayton Jr. (Kelli) Plano, Texas; Grandchildren: Kirkwood Lawrence Hannah II, McKenzie Clayton, Kendyl Clayton; Cousins: Matilda Souza-Rancho, Murietta, California, Anna Dumetz-Olathe and Denise Dumetz, California; and a host of other relatives, friends, and music lovers.

Tributes

John Antonio Lopes, Jr.

June 30, 1939 - September 11, 2022