John R. Lupoli, Sr

Highlands, NC - On the evening of April 8, 2012, John R. Lupoli, Sr. passed away peacefully at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital surrounded by his family at the age of 92.

John was born in Linwood, Penn., on February 4, 1920 to Frank and Anna May Lupoli. He attended Temple University where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. While there on an athletic scholarship, he met his wife Florence Ludovici, with whom he would spend 70 years. After college, John joined the United States Coast Guard before moving with his wife to Miami, FL. He spent 34 years in the Dade County school system as a P.E. coach and principal. While principal, he led the movement toward school integration and was an advocate for underprivileged and handicap students. His former faculty leader said of Lupoli, “Whether a child was black or white never mattered to him- he was a genuine man. He let the parents know that he was concerned about seeing that their children received a good education.”

John and Florence began spending their summers in Highlands in the late 1950s. He retired at the age of 59, moved permanently to Highlands, and purchased Colonial Pines Inn, still operational today. The family owned and operated the Inn for more than 12 years.

Their love of community was recognized in 1999 when they were awarded the Robert Dupree Award, which is given for outstanding community service by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce. They were best known for their work with the non-profit organization Mountain Findings where he served as President.

John is survived by two children, Jonna McDowell (spouse George) and John Lupoli (spouse Anita), seven grandchildren: Shonna, Jonna, Regina, Coree, Isabella, Juliette, and John III, and five great-grandchildren: Olivia, Dean, Alyssa, Adriana, and Alexandra.

In addition to his parents, wife Florence Lupoli and son David Lupoli preceded John’s death. John and Florence were members of Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Church in Highlands. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday April 11, 2012 at 3:00 P.M. at Our Lady of the Mountain Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of John R. Lupoli, Sr. to the Highlands Emergency Council, PO Box 974, Highlands N.C. 28741 or Mountain Findings, 432 Spruce Lane, Highlands N.C. 28741.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.