John Alden Pope
April 28, 1945 – February 23, 2025
John Alden Pope, 79, died unexpectedly on February 23, 2025 less than one block from his Beacon Hill home while walking his beloved West Highland Terrier, “Sir William Wallace.”
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Nancy Mabrey Pope; his children: John Jr., Chynna, and Remington; grandchildren: Karina, Sarina, Antonio Jr., Christina Da Rosa and was predeceased by his daughter, Sarah Da Rosa.
John loved his dog walks, especially for his morning coffee at Cobblestones. His smile and engaging conversation charmed tourists and neighbors. He was genuinely interested in connecting with people.
John was born in Boston, raised in Hingham and Colorado Springs. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Caroline, and his brothers, Walter, Bill, and Tom.
John was an exemplary athlete as a standout ice hockey player at Palmer High School, New Hampton School, and Boston University, as well as playing competitive tennis and golf. John served in the Army Special Forces (Green Berets) as a radio operator for the airborne division. He fought in the Vietnam War and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Parachute Badge.
The pride and greatest accomplishment of John’s life was celebrating and supporting his children. The loss of his father when John was only 14 inspired him to treasure every moment with his own family. He coached his boys at Charlestown Youth Hockey, served on the board of The Skating Club of Boston, and traveled all over the country to Villanova University’s lacrosse games cheering on his beloved Wildcats.
John was known for his memorable speeches and intense loyalty. A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at Church of the Advent, 30 Brimmer St, Boston, MA 02108 on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 2 p.m. Memorial donations may be made in his honor to The Head Strong Project to support veterans battling PTSD
https://theheadstrongproject.org or Charlestown Youth Hockey
Association at https://www.cyha.com/about/donate-now/13671