John Joong Soo Pyo

Pyo Joong Soo was born to Pyo Hae Chul and Park Jung Hee on April 17, 1947 in Chung Joo, South Korea. Born fifth of seven children, he grew up surrounded by his siblings, Sung Soo, Chul Soo, Myung Soo, Sung Hee, Myung Sook, and Hyun Sook.

After completing middle school Joong Soo moved to Seoul where he attended high school, while under the guardianship of his older brother, Sung Soo and his sister-in-law, Kim Mi Bae. He graduated from Hangook Sahmyook High School in 1965. Joong Soo served his 3 years of military conscription service, where he was able to use his exceptional literary skills as an undersecretary. Joong Soo attended Sahmyook University and graduated with a degree in English Literature in 1974.

Joong Soo (John), met his wife of 47 years, Kim Eunok (Celestia) while in university, and after a year of courtship, married in 1974. Shortly after their marriage, Celestia immigrated to the United States, and they were required to spend the first 8 months of their marriage apart, until his immigration to the United States after completing university in late 1974.

After a year in Washington State, John and Celestia, moved to Loma Linda, California in 1975. There, they raised 2 daughters, Adella and Jennifer. Throughout his time in the community, John used his artistry, love of music, and profound faith in God and church, to be a blessing to others.

John began Sparkle Dental Ceramics, which he ran for almost 30 years, until he became sick with his battle with tonsillar cancer. He conquered oral cancer, but was challenged again with lung cancer 9 years later.

Throughout his life, healthy or sick, John was always active, winning tennis tournaments, running marathons, and hiking and fishing in his beloved Eastern Sierra mountains. He was most at home at the lake or creekside waiting for the trout to bite. However, even more than his love for the outdoors, was his love for the people that enriched his life and he in turn enriched. His faithfulness, loyalty, and deep diligence in the lives of his family and friends will be what he is most remembered for.

John is survived by his wife, his daughters, son-in-law, Stephen Yoo, Alex Pollini, and grandchildren, Marcus and Lauren. They hope to live out his great legacy.