John R. Lupo, 70, of Endicott, NY, died April 20, 2025 with his soul mate, Michelle by his side.
He was predeceased by his parents Richard Lupo and Alice Lupo Buran (Milo), and only son Richie (Richard Lupo II).
John is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Michelle, his devoted children Edie Lupo, Randy Storms (Cheyne Northrup), and Angie Lupo (Steven Pidhajecky). Also his grand-children Daniel Jackson, Domonick Jackson (McKenzie Worzel), Avery and Aubrey Storms, Landon and Briella Lopez, expected grandson baby Pidhadecky, and great-granddaughter Ellianna. John is also survived by his sister Cindy Lupo, brothers and sisters in law; Pat and Jerry Martin, Bill and Andrea Barrrett, Mary and Jerry Lewis, and Eileen and Bob Dorko, several nieces, nephews, cousins, family pups Chica and Teddy, and dear friend Kevin Kroft. John was a good friend to so many, far too many to include all here. He may not have had a large bank account, but you can see he was a very wealthy man.
John was a devout Catholic and member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Endicott, NY. A man of many skills, John enjoyed a long career as a tractor-trailer owner/operator, an accountant/office manager at Thomas Sbarra Century 21 Real Estate, Star Motors, and Boland Construction, was a driver for Advance Auto Parts, and an Insurance Inspector.
A musician at heart, back in the day John played drums and bass for many years with other talented musicians in several bands with gigs at local bars, and later he was a solo act singing and playing a keyboard with digital sampling and backup instrumentation. John loved sports, especially football and wrestling. He coached Richie’s youth football team to an undefeated season. He wrestled at ME, and that love lived on as Richie became an award winning, 6-year varsity wrestler at UE. Beyond the family, his favorite place was in the wind on his motorcycle, most often with Michelle on the back. He kept riding up til just a few weeks before his passing. Passionate in his beliefs and opinions, John also loved to debate with anyone about anything from religion to politics, soup to nuts, and had a great sense of humor.
The untimely death of his son, Richie, was the catalyst for creating the Ride for Richie charity, to make sense of the tragedy. Ride for Richie became his mission: to be a beacon of hope in our local community, extending a lifeline to those facing darkness, offering support to individuals at risk of suicide, uplifting the downtrodden with financial and moral assistance, and providing crucial aid to local animal shelters. This year will be the 5th annual Ride for Richie event, on September 27th.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 4 pm Thursday, April 24, at St. James Catholic Church, 147 Main Street Johnson City. A private interment will be at a later date. The family will receive friends at the church, April 24 from 2 to 4 pm, when Mass begins. All who knew John understood he was not a man of formality, so please come as you are.
Expressions of sympathy in John's memory to the Ride for Richie organization (501c3) would be gratefully accepted, or to another charity of choice.