Ciao bodhisattva Johnny , così ti usavo chiamare, anche se ci sentivamo poco stando molto lontani. Ma il legama era profondo. Nel 2019 ti portai a una riunione nel gruppo soka di Jonio a Roma, un piccolo seme di Loto e consapevolezza crebbe lontano dagli sguardi. Amavi approfondire studiare e capire, la tua inteligenza e sensibilità era fuori dalla media e la tua sincerità splendida.

Nel 2023 mi hai scritto dicendo che avevi ricevuto il tuo Gohonzon e piansi di felicità come ora sto piangendo sapendo che non ci sei più tra noi.

Mi mancherà il tuo sorriso sempre pronto ad allegerire il peso della vita, la tua profondità e curiosità nel cercare il valore in ogni cosa. Questo mondo troppo veloce a volte superficiale non ti apparteneva ti stava stretto.

[un viaggiatore afflitto giunse un giorno al lago della Frescura per placare i fuochi dell’angoscia nel suo cuore. Egli affermò che quelle acque esaudivano tutti i desideri, «proprio come una fresca e limpida fonte può soddisfare tutti coloro che sono assetati]

Ciao amico riposa in pace ci rivedremo un giorno sul Picco dell'Aquila

Emiliano

My deepest and heartfelt sympathies to the Kapo family and friends. As I reflect on today as John is laid to rest, I keep rereading his legacy he left behind. This family welcomes you with open arms always, John is looking down on this beautiful tribute today. I am honored to have seen John grow up to be an incredible human being. Bali, George, Iris, iris husband ,and David you have to know you are the best of the best, loving individuals and I am thankful for your presence. I saw things in a different light today about him. How incredible and amazing he touched everyone in the room. Alway with a smile, and have conversations about anything. You are all in my prayers and he is dancing with the angels. Love to all

Love you, my friend Bali

Lisa Sharkey

‘’I’ll be there for you’’

Our Buddhist community mourns the loss John Kapo. His sister Iris is a beloved member of True River Sangha, and although John sat with us infrequently, he too is part of our family and we sensed the depth of his spirit and commitment to look deeply into his own self-nature. We send heartfelt condolences to John’s family and all who were touched by his life. Brain disorders are so prevalent, especially in our society today, but they do not reflect the true mind, intelligence or consciousness of the child or young person who is affected. John’s loving, creative, passionate and brave nature is apparent through the many memories and testimonials that were shared today. May he rest now in the eternal embrace of Mother Nature and Divine Grace. May he join his spiritual ancestors and all great beings and continue through his loved ones and in our collective hearts.

Jhon

Come una foglia,

L'invincibilitá,

Un illusione,

Ma cosa siamo noi più di una foglia?

Ti ha portato via il vento,

Ha soffiato troppo forte per te.

Tienimi per mano,

Ti prego,

Perché ora la tempesta mi terrorizza.

Urlo straziata contro Zefiro,

Non ti ha permesso di vedere tutte le stagioni della vita,

Di sopravvivere alle piogge primaverili

Per appassire naturalmente con i freddi autunnali.

L'albero piange,

La sua foglia più verde lo ha lasciato,

La clorofilla non bastava più,

Le ammaccature erano troppe.

E ora voli via,

Trasportato dalla brezza immateriale,

Chissà dove di porterà,

Sicuramente in una dimensione in cui la purezza

È l'arma vincente contro le fatiche.

Sicuramente dove il tuo tormento potrà trovare pace,

Non chiedervi altro

Ed ora io con te,

Aiutami a ritrovarla.

Ci hai aperto la strada verso la verità

E ci hai costretti a guardarla in faccia,

Non siamo altro che foglie.

Ti amo per sempre Jhon, la foglia più bella di tutte.

I was heartbroken to hear about John's passing. Although I am currently living in China and cannot be there in person, my thoughts and prayers are with John's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

John was a genuinely kind, caring, and thoughtful person. He touched the lives of so many people through his friendship, humor, and generosity. I was fortunate enough to see him before I left the United States, and I will always be grateful for the time we spent catching up and talking about life and the goals he was working toward.

John meant a great deal to me, and I will miss him tremendously. I will always cherish the memories we shared and feel incredibly grateful to have called him a friend.

Rest in peace, John. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

— Mithun Das

Kapo was a great guy. So smart. So confident. In high school, he always made me work harder to compete. It was great times working together in our physics classes. He was always joking. That goofy carefree guy is how I'll always remember him.

I've known John since we were kids in elementary school, and it's hard to put into words just how much he meant to so many of us.

When I think of John, I think of joy. I think of his contagious laugh, his great dance moves, and his incredible ability to make any ordinary moment memorable. Some of my favorite memories are the countless late-night conversations we shared. We'd stay up for hours talking about life, the world, philosophy, our dreams, and everything in between. One minute we'd be having the deepest conversation, and the next we'd be doubled over laughing until our stomachs hurt. It never really mattered what we were doing—it was always enough just to be together.

We grew up sharing so many milestones. In fifth grade, John played my dad in our elementary school play—something we'd still laugh about as adults. We went to prom together, college formals, spent countless nights dancing, driving around town listening to the newest music, and simply enjoying each other's company. As life became busier, we didn't see each other as often, but whenever we checked in, it felt like no time had passed.

John had a remarkable way of making people feel seen, heard, and welcomed. His kindness, humor, curiosity, and genuine heart are gifts I'll always carry with me. He will forever hold a very special place in my heart.

I pray he's dancing on the other side with that same joyful spirit that brought so much light to all of us here.

My heart is with your family and everyone who had the privilege of loving John. He will never be forgotten.❤️

Non ci sono parole adeguate per esprimere il dolore di fronte a una perdita così prematura e profonda. Ricordo John con immensa tenerezza: l'ho incontrato solo poche volte qui in Italia, ma la sua straordinaria dolcezza mi è rimasta nell'anima. La notizia della sua scomparsa mi ha spezzato il cuore. Vi sono vicina con tutto il mio affetto in questo momento di buio impenetrabile.. i miei pensieri e le mie preghiere sono tutti per voi e per la sua anima. Vi voglio bene

Stefania

Dear Johnny,

I can’t believe I am writing this in memory of you.

I will always remember your kind eyes and the big smile on your face. We spent so many hours together since we first met at the Orange Garden in Rome on the 22nd — and that’s all that matters. The year and month are irrelevant; only you would know exactly what I mean.

We laughed, danced, and talked endlessly about life and all its mysteries. Some people simply pass through this world, but you always felt different. Your soul was too deep, too limitless for a world that often felt too small.

You brought light into the lives of people who truly knew you. The memories we created together will stay with me forever.

Now you are free. Fly away, my friend, and shine brightly. Dance your heart out, smile that big smile, and be as happy as you always deserved to be.

You will always be loved, and you will always be remembered!

John and I met in Rome. We shared laughter, nights of dancing, and deep philosophical conversations. We met again in the United States, where I had the chance to get to know his wonderful family, who graciously welcomed me into their home for a few days. I will always remember his wit, his warmth, and the depth of his soul. My thoughts are also with his mother and his sister. Anna

My heart is broken! Bali and Iris and George, I am so so sorry. Sending all my love……he will be dearly missed and never forgotten

John was one of my best friends during an exchange program back in 2008 when we were in high school. Always there to help and make me feel welcome and, of course, push me to learn some dance moves! His energy and kindness were one of a kind and it has been an absolute pleasure to know him.

Regarless of the distance he always had and always will have a special place in my heart.

John, I hope you are having heaps of fun wherever you are mate! Cheers!

Iris, Bali and George - wishing you lots of love, comfort and peace in your hearts.

Iris, cuanto siento la perdida de tu hermano, no lo conocí pero por ti se, todo lo importante que era para vuestra familia y cuando os queríais, rezaré por todas las personas que le echarán de menos, especialmente por tus padres y por ti, para que su pérdida, sea lo más llevadera posible.

Johny and I crossed paths as children, as our families shared many beautiful memories together in Athens before they moved to America.

My memories of Johny are somewhat blurred and scattered by time, but I still carry with me the feeling of those childhood days and the joy of having known him. I still carry in my heart the kind-hearted little boy with the beautiful smile, the bright shining eyes, and the endless energy he brought to every game and every dance at our parties. I also remember how caring he was, and I carry with me the warmth he brought to my childhood memories.

My heart is with his wonderful, loving family during this difficult time. My entire family joins me in wishing them strength, comfort, and love in the days ahead.

May he rest in peace and journey into the light.

You are unique in your heart, spirit, and mind. John, you were someone who approached the world with a special penchant for purity, mindfulness, and earnesty. As others have already mentioned, you were too pure for this kind of world. The outpour of those who remember you fondly speaks for itself as to the quality of your character. There is still much I would have liked to say to you, experience with you, and share. The finality of it all, the fact I can longer say even a single word to you more, is a very unique and deep pain. At this juncture it should spur in all of us the desire to live our lives with greater vigor, discipline, inspired by the very morality and purity you encapsulated, as the memory of who you were ought to inspire us to pursue fulfillment to an even greater degree. We will never forget you John.

John was a dear friend of mine. I met him at Temple University during my exchange program, and we became friends almost immediately. He welcomed me into his wonderful family, making me feel at home from the very beginning. John was full of enthusiasm and energy, and he had a deep love for Italy. He even came with me to Sardinia. Over the years, our paths crossed again when he visited Italy, and later when I returned to the United States. What I will always remember most about John was his kindness. He was genuine, pure-hearted, and someone you could always trust. He had a goodness that was rare and special. You left us far too soon, John. But if the pain you carried had become too great, I hope you have finally found peace. We will see each other again one day. Until then, watch over your family. I love you, my friend. You will always have a place in my heart. My deepest condolences to John’s family and everyone who loved him. Elia’s family

You will be missed greatly. You dared to be different, you were passionate, smart, kind, athletic and a great friend. I will miss all the deep talks and hearing about you chasing your dreams and your goals. I thought we would be able to speak one more time, but unfortunately that time has passed. Rest in peace brother. As usual, it’s all love. Your friend, Eric

I still can't proccess the fact that you're gone. You were far too pure for this filthy world, and maybe heaven needed someone like you more than we did. I hope you are shining in the arms of God and have found peace.

I will always remember you with a smile, because that's the kind of person you were positive, kind, and full of life. I will remember your passion for sports, your dedication to training hard, and from now on, that passion will be one of my motivations to keep pushing forward.

I will also remember all those long conversations about zodiac signs. You could spend hours explaining every little detail of our sign, Libra, and you made it fascinating even for someone like me, who knows so little about astrology.

You said that we would meet again in Italy because I remember how much you loved the place and how much you missed it. Sadly, we never got the chance.

Until we meet again, maybe with a Spritz in our hands, you explaining my rising sign and all its traits, but this time in heaven..

Meanwhile, your memory will live on in all of us who had the privilege of knowing you.

Rest easy and shine bright, my Libra bro !

John, you are deeply missed. I remember your open heart, brilliant mind, and zest for life. You knew how to fully be present in the moment especially when you danced to music that you really enjoyed. You were not afraid to speak your mind and engage in deep discussions. You saw the magic within every person; thank you for encouraging me to come out of my shell. I wish that we had more time together; one more time when we and our friends dance the night away. You leave us with a reminder to make the most of today and to spend more time with those who we care about. Thank you for being authentically and unapologetically you. I'll look for you in the stars whenever the night sky dances.