John “Johnny” Lovoi
John Jasper Lovoi was born on September 19, 1938 in Beaumont, Texas to Jasper and Rosalie Romano Lovoi at Hotel Dieu. He was the middle son of first-generation Americans of Italian descent. Blessed with eighty-one extraordinary years of life, in death he is reunited with his loving parents and in-laws Joe and Jennie Zeto Russian.
Johnny grew up at his family’s drugstore on Buford Street in the South End of Beaumont. Surrounded by a large Italian family, this young boy with a dimpled grin and a mischievous twinkle in his eye, balanced a life of living and working at the drugstore while pursuing his passion for playing sports. As the captain and quarterback of the 1955 St. Anthony State Championship Football Team, Johnny would forge life-long friendships with Dewey Doga, Buddy Fertitta, Hubert Oxford, Tony Sala and Danny Snooks.
Following high school graduation, Johnny enrolled at the University of Houston where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and Phi Delta Chi Professional Fraternity. In 1962, Johnny obtained his Bachelor of Science- Pharmacy and returned to Beaumont at 1000 Buford Street where he began his career as a pharmacist.
That same year, together with his parents and two brothers, a second pharmacy was opened at 3480 Fannin Street, officially creating the businesses today known as Lovoi and Sons Pharmacies, Inc. and Lovoi and Sons Realty Company, Inc. It is during this time Johnny met and fell in love with Paula Russian. The young couple would be married on June 27, 1965 and eventually welcome three daughters, JoEllyn, Amy and Elizabeth and a son, John.
For the next fifty-three years Johnny would provide exceptional healthcare to the citizens of Southeast Texas. His personal mission was to bestow honest, compassionate and uncompromised assistance to those in need. He embraced the value of hard work, integrity and benevolence and shared those qualities with his children. Johnny believed that pharmacy was more than just a profession, it was a gift that came with great responsibility.
While proud of his role as an independent pharmacist, Johnny also felt that he made an impact through his work in our community. He served in numerous civic and volunteer positions that included nineteen years of service on the Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School Board and eighteen years of service on the Dean’s Advisory Committee at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy.
Johnny’s life was also defined by his commitment to education. Together with his wife Paula, they established scholarships at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Lamar University Speech-Language Pathology Program and Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School. They are also supporters of multiple organizations which include the ARC of Greater Beaumont, Art Museum of Southeast Texas, Symphony of Southeast Texas and Center for Hearing and Speech in Houston, Texas.
A faithful servant, Johnny was a founding member of St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church and a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He was a proud Houston Cougar, a recipient of the 1998 Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School Distinguished Alumni Award and the 2006 University of Houston College of Pharmacy Mading Society Distinguished Alumni Award. Most recently, Johnny was honored with the Meritorious Achievement Award and an Endowed Professorship in Drug Discovery at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy named on his behalf. Johnny was King Neches LVI of the Neches River Festival and a talented musician who enjoyed playing the mandolin.
As an avid traveler, Johnny relished experiencing the languages, landscapes, cultures and cuisines of the cities, countries and continents he and Paula visited. In retirement, he enjoyed the camaraderie of his Profits Unlimited meetings and Dun Workin luncheons and most importantly, time spent entertaining family and friends at his home.
Fondly known as “Doc”, Johnny was a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend and mentor, who’s perseverance and fortitude during his illness served as a testament to his faith and an inspiration to those who knew and loved him.
Johnny is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Paula Russian Lovoi; his children JoEllyn Lovoi Jowers and her husband Donald, Amy Lovoi, John Lovoi and his wife, Christy, Elizabeth Lovoi and her fiancé Tom Hardy; and his grandchildren, Reid and Meredith Jowers and Jordan Lovoi.
Mr. Lovoi’s Funeral Mass will be 6:00 p.m., Friday, February 28, 2020, at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, 700 Jefferson Street, Beaumont, with a reception to follow in the Cathedral Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Paula & John Lovoi Scholarship in Speech & Language Pathology- Lamar University Foundation, P.O. Box 11500, Beaumont, Texas 77710; The John and Paula Lovoi Endowed Scholarship-University of Houston College of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 867, Houston, Texas 77001; The Paula and John Lovoi Scholarship-Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School, 5950 Kelly Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707; or The ALS Association of Texas, 1213 Hermann Drive, Suite 525, Houston, Texas 77004.
Video
Funeral Mass
Funeral Mass
- 700 jefferson beaumont tx 77701
- 02/28/2020
- 6:00 pm
- 2000 mcfaddin street beaumont tx 77701
- 02/11/2020
- 4:49 pm
Comments
Karen and Arnold Manske
Blessings to you Paula and your family .You are in our prayers . Johnny was a dear sweet soul . He will be missed by all .
Karen Fiorenza Hicks
Paula, Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Ben and Karen Hicks
Mary Oxford Englander
Your Johnny personified such joy of living and shared that joy with all of us so generously. He has been in my heart for as long as I can remember. He was a gift to all of us. My prayers are with you all.
Mike Yennie
Very sorry to hear of John's passing. Prayers for John and his family. A very good man.
Sam Serio
Mary and I will keep your family in our prayers. Johnny was a special person.
John & Judy Bryant
May GOD accept the soul of Johnny, Grant him salvation and a eternal life as a member of the family of GOD, in Heaven. Our thoughts and prayers to all of the Lovoi family and loved ones.
Vicki &Kevin McGovern
So very sorry to hear of Mr Lovoi’s passing. Offering prayers for him as well as prayers for strength, comfort and peace to all of you.
Julie Dreyer
So sorry to hear about Johnny. He was a faithful Christian, a wonderful husband, a loving father, and a community leader. My prayers are with Paula and the children. What I remember most about him was his warmth and winning smile.
Elliot and Kay Bounds
Our prayers are with you and family
Alton Kanak
I remember my last conversation with Johnny. He told me at that time he was confined to a wheelchair. I told Johnny how sorry I was to hear that. He then commented back. He saiid how lucky he was. He had lived a fabulous life and had been blessed more than most. He had traveled the world and lived a great life. The disease hit him later in life as opposed to earlier. He told me that he would have accepted this without question. He ended the conversation telling me how blessed he was. All I can say is What a man he was. I will miss a very good friend
Summer Jones
Thank u so much for giving me the pleasure of taking care of such a wonderful man. I learned so much from him and shared lots of laughs with him.. My condolences to his family and friends he was well loved by so many.
Liz Sandell
Dear Paula, I am saddened by the news of Johnny's passing. He always greeted me with a big smile and wanted to know how I was doing. His memory will be one of joy for me knowing such a caring person.
Ken Burrows
Johnny was a bright, well liked classmate at the College of Pharmacy, University of Houston. God Speed, Johnny!
Donald and Marie Floyd
Our deepest condolences to the Lovoi family. Mr. Lovoi was such a kind man. May he rest in God’s peace,
Jimmie Jay Jackson
Paula Every time I saw Johnny he had a big smile and a warm greeting. He was one of the really good guys and he will be missed. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God and your memories will sustain you through your rough days.
Barbara & Tommy Leicht
Johnny was a very special man. Great leader, devoted Catholic and friends with everyone. May His Soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed, Rest-In-Peace-Amen.
Yvette Isern Estrada and Rolando Estrada
Our condolences to the Lovoi family. Prayers are offered for all of you.
Nancy and Bill Hale
Johnny was the ultimate "gentleman". He always had a smile on his face and a pep in his step. All of us who had the pleasure of knowing him are saddened by his death. Our prayers are with all of his family.
FranPharris
I enjoyed my years of years having all the Italians in the donut shop what a great indidual you will be missed
Dan and Jan Hallmark
Dear Paula, Jan and I are in Colorado, and are so sorry to recieve the news that you have lost Johnny. He was always such a joy to be with. In all of the many years that I have known him, I have never seen him without his ever present smile. Even during these last several difficult months, his positive attitude and smile was always there. He is an inspiration to all of us. I am regret that we will not be there with you to celebrate Jonny's life. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and our prayers. Our deepest sympathy, Dan and Jan Hallmark
Jo Frances Manuel
Paula and Family, As so many have said, Johnny was special. He had a kind, friendly disposition which endeared him to so many of us. God bless all of you and may Johnny's soul rest in the peace of Christ.
lynn jelinek
Paula and family, I was so sad to hear of John's passing. I'll always remember that he and Mile had the same birthday. The days ahead will be filled with many tears, but please allow yourself time to grieve. We has been together for many years, even though it might have not been on a regular basis. True friendship lasts forever. You and your family are always in my prayers. Lynn Jelinek
Fred & Sheila Sachitano
So sorry for your loss.
Susan Simmons
We love you and will miss that guy of yours. We admire his and your brave heart and how much you loved each other. God bless you and the family and grant you peace. Susan and Jimmy
Dee Ann Soileau
What a joy it was to know Johnny over the years of doing business with Lovoi"s. He always welcomed you with that great smile and called you by name. My thoughts and prayers are with the family as you grieve his passing.
Mary C Montalbano
Dear Paula and family, We are so very sorry to hear of the passing of Johnny. Your and his love for each other and your family appeared to be beyond measure. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers. May you all find comfort knowing your beloved Johnny is now in the presence of Our Heavenly Father whose warm rays will forever shine upon him. Mary C & Martin Montalbano
Jim Brocato
Lovoi Family, You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We are so grateful to Johnny for all the care (and patience) he gave to Dad through this life. He always had a smile on his face and thoughtfully asked about each of us. God Bless, Brocato Family
Jim & Kathy Bourg
What a flood of wonderful memories come upon receiving this sad news. Johnny, Paula & a fortunate group started our young adult lives together. We're born into families, we're chosen as friends. We have been blessed to call them friends for over 50 years. Our thoughts & prayers go out to all the family.
Nell & Terry Morris
When Terry got home after visiting with you today. He said the reality of Johnny’s passing really hit him. He recalled, with tears, Johnny was the first person he met when he moved to Beaumont to open his practice. Johnny met him in the driveway, insisting that he help unload the UHaul. That began a friendship of
Paul Prince
One of the truly good guys. Will be missed by all who knew him.
Walter Brocato
We are sorry to hear of Johnny ‘s passing. He was always very nice to all of our family.
Ray Robichau
Jasper we are so sorry to hear about your father, you and your wonderful family are in our prayers.....Ray & Sandie Robichau
anita s. fournier
So sorry to hear the news of Johnny. My deepest sympathy is extended to Paula and family. He was special, an asset to the Community, and a fine man. Anita Savino Fournier
Diana (Caldronia) & Larry Scheier
Sympathy and prayers for the Lovoi family for your loss
Dr, Joseph Derrick
I was saddened to hear of Johnny"s passing. He will be dearly missed, especially by me and all the Derrick family.
Sam & Phyllis Chirafis
Our condolences and prayers go out to Paula and the entire Lovoi family. The world has lost a truly good man who valued Family, Faith and Friends above all else. Rest in Peace Johnny.
Mitchell Toups
Once in a great while we meet people that truly leave lasting impressions on us for Life. Johnny you certainly were one of those loving and kind souls that was always so friendly, warm and inviting to be around. I will always remember all of the parties that you and Paula hosted so graciously for our community and the many good causes for which you were truly a champion--you guys have always been one of the the first to help with anything that was for the betterment of Beaumont and the surrounding area.--there is no way we can ever thank you properly for putting every ounce of your energy into our lives and our children's lives to make them better--Johnny- I know when we all join you one day- the table will be set, the wine will be excellent and your smile will welcome and comfort us at the door!. Thank you for being such a wonderful man and friend to all of us. Paula and family our hearts are with you always and thank you for sharing your Husband,, Father, Brother, Grandfather and Father-in-law-- In God's Peace Mitch
Louis Blanda
It was privilege to call Johnny a friend and also a distant relative. His good humor, many stories , kindness and dedication to God, Country & Family will be forever missed. He was always a person that brought much cheer to all of us at Jacks Pak-It as he usually visited with us daily after his retirement. Thank you Johnny for making everyone & everything you touched better. My God bless his family for their loss.
vincent tantillo
our thoughts and prayers are with the family. He was a good man.
David Sala
Our deepest sympathy and prayers for Paula and the family. Mr. Johnny will always have a special place in our heart.
Rodney Robichau
Dear Paula and Family ✝️ So very sorry for y’all loss. Johnny Faith and Love in Jesus Christ His Lord And Savior , Saved His Soul, Johnny will live forever in The House Of The LORD ✝️✝️✝️ It was my privilege to know Johnny, my visiting with him and Paula a few months ago in Saint Jude’s parking lot, you could feel and see his love for the Lord, Paula and his family and life itself . His love for God, Family, Work, Friends, UH, Will live On ✝️✝️ My deepest condolences Rodney
Minister Antoinette Y Mays
Sending you and your family love and prayers during this time. Blessed are they that mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4) Blessings to each of you! Love and prayers, Antoinette
Cleo and Carroll Martin
Sweet Paula, I was saddened to learned of Johnny’s death. Saying he is in a better place is so true but doesn’t really help when all you want is for him to be healthy and by your side. Take heart in knowing how loved and respected he was by SO many people. I only with I had known him better. But knowing you tells me he had to be special. You have my sympathy, love., and prayers. LIPEO!
Hugh Hawkins
May God provide His comfort and peace to the families. Johnny was a terrific man with a smiling and uplifting spirit. He will be missed by all who knew him. Rest In Peace “Doc”.
JoAnn Jackson
I had you for a short time but I have learned so much from you, I knew you were getting tired and was ready to go, just thought I had a little more time with you, now ur playing field is much bigger touched down say my quarterback, love you to the moon and back.
Suzanne Wolfrom
Our prayers are with you Paul’a and your beautiful family. Johnny was truly a gentleman with a huge heart. He was lucky to have enjoyed a wonderful marriage with a beautiful legacy left here in earth. We certainly were blessed to share in some memorable moments with him! Sending love and God’s grace on the entire Lovoi family.
Renee Hartslief
Our heartfelt condolences and love to you all, from your South African family ~ Renee, Cale and Tess
D’Anne Doga
Thoughts and prayers are with the family. Uncle Johnny will be missed.
Dawn Doga
Uncle Johnny will be dearly missed. My Heart goes out to the family, I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to be at the funeral celebration in person, but I was there in spirit with my love.