Died on July 27, 2018. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Colonel Lopes graduated from the University of Hawaii in 1953 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.

After graduation, he joined the Army, completing both the Basic and Advanced Infantry Officer Courses, and the Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia. In 1967, he attended the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

He served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He also served in Thailand, New Zealand, Germany and numerous assignments in the United States. Colonel Lopes retired in 1976 after 24 years of service.

After military service, Colonel Lopes became a substitute teacher in the Montgomery County Maryland Public Schools. He also did volunteer work at his favorite school, Forest Knolls Elementary School in Silver Spring, for 30 years. He was loved by the children, became a mentor and was a positive role model. His outstanding volunteer work was recognized by the State of Maryland and the Montgomery County Teachers Association.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Janet; three children, Johnnye Tamaru (Robert), Jamie Folk (Robert Lipman), and Jeffery (Terri); four grandchildren, Laura Simon (Thomas), Michael Tamaru, Joanna Folk and John Folk; a great-grandson, Aaron Simon; and his sister, Sylvia Mahoney (Walter). His older brother, Manuel (Michiko) pre-deceased him.

A memorial service will be held on August 25, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the Chapel in Riderwood Village, 3110 Gracefield Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Attendees will directed to the appropriate parking area by the gate guards. Shuttle service to the chapel will be available.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made in the Memory of John Lopes to the Riderwood Benevolent Care Fund. Donations may be mailed to: Riderwood Philanthropy, 3110 Gracefield Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904. Please note “John Lopes Memorial” in the memo field on the donation check

Plans are underway for John to be buried at Arlington Memorial Cemetery. The timing of this is not currently available.