From a young age, John began cultivating a friendship with Jehovah that would last a lifetime. After studying the Bible with his parents, Vince and Doris Eppolito, John made a personal dedication to God and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on June 6th, 1964, at the age of 11.
Eager to expand his service to Jehovah, John began serving as a regular pioneer, and at the age of 19, he was invited to serve at Wallkill Bethel – then known as Watchtower Farms – where he spent two and a half years working in drafting and construction.
Returning home to Houston in 1975, John met his compliment when a new publisher named Beverly Jo Smith moved into his congregation. John often joked that he knew he would have to act quickly to have a shot with the beautiful brunette! He began courting Beverly, and the two were married on December 6th, 1975.
In early 1977, John returned to Bethel with his new bride. There, the two spent 15 happy months, John working in purchasing and running a backhoe on snowy days and Beverly in the subscription office and later in housekeeping. John and Beverly greatly cherished the time they spent together in special full-time service.
Back in Houston once again, the couple soon became a family of three with the birth of their first son, Dustin, in 1979. Tony followed in 1981, and Travis’ birth in 1985 completed their family.
John took his responsibilities as his family’s spiritual head very seriously. He and Beverly worked as a team to raise their children in the Truth, with Beverly studying at home with the boys in My Book of Bible Stories during the day and John conducting individual Bible studies with the boys in the evenings and taking the lead in their weekly family study.
John often spoke fondly of his time at Wallkill, instilling in his children the desire to make Bethel service a goal. Thanks to John’s love for Jehovah’s house, all three of his sons, as well as his nephew, Loren Hollingsworth, later spent time in Bethel service.
Over the years, John willingly shouldered many weighty theocratic assignments. He served as Coordinator of the Body of Elders and Watchtower Study Conductor, City Overseer, on the Disaster Relief Committee following Tropical Storm Allison, and on various Convention Committees.
One of John’s most cherished assignments was serving on the Rosenberg Assembly Hall Committee. He and his fellow committee members worked together in peace and unity for some 20 years, and John commented on being unable to remember a single argument during their meetings. Instead, a brother working in a nearby office recalls often hearing happy laughter coming from their conference room.
Despite his many responsibilities, John was never too busy to show genuine interest in others. He was known to be extremely generous – not only with material things but with the wisdom and advice he freely shared with all who approached him for guidance and counsel.
John loved to nurture spirituality in others, especially the many younger brothers and sisters who looked to him as a spiritual father and an example of faith. He gave willingly of his time and energy to train these ones with patience, kindness, and affection.
For all his theocratic responsibilities, John remained humble and approachable. His playful sense of humor helped to soften tough moments, and his warm smile endeared him to many, putting them at ease in his company.
Thanks in part to his father, Vince, who taught him to work hard so he could have something to share with others, John developed a strong work ethic. His loyalty, honesty, and trustworthiness in the workplace were well known and much admired, and many enjoyed working with him over the years.
Whether in the workplace, in the congregation, or at home, all who knew John found refreshment in his company. Beverly, John’s loving and faithful wife of some 47 years, remembers him as a caring and attentive husband and a wonderful father to their children, and Aaron, Ariana, and Allison, the couple’s grandchildren, loved spending time with their “Poppy.” Throughout his life, John found great joy in seeing his sons and their families serving Jehovah faithfully.
Even as his health declined, John’s zeal never wavered; he continued working on theocratic projects to the very end of his life. An outstanding example of a husband, father, elder, and friend, John gave his all in his service to Jehovah for nearly 60 years.John’s family and friends – and all whose lives he touched – long for the time when Jehovah God will restore His faithful servant and friend to eternal life in the promised Paradise.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Vince and Doris Eppolito, and his nephew, Loren Hollingsworth. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; his son Dustin, daughterin-law Corie, and grandchildren Aaron, Ariana, and Allison; his son Tony and daughter-in-law Sacheen; his son Travis and daughter-in-law Katie; and his sister, Linda Madrigal, and her daughter, Angela Gohokar.
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