Obituary of John Paul Popovich

John Paul Popovich, 19, of Potomac Falls, VA, passed away on 18 December 2015. Born in Melbourne, Florida, John Paul resided in Orlando, FL for 10 years before moving to Virginia in 2007. He was a 2015 graduate of Dominion High School in Sterling, VA, and was currently attending the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. While a student at Dominion HS, John Paul was a member of the National Honor Society, and a captain on the Dominion Swim team. At the high school state swim championship this past February, he won the state title in the 200 Individual Medley, and holds the state record in that event. John Paul was also a long time member of Snow Swimming, a Loudoun County-based swim team, where he accomplished much & made lasting friendships; as well as a coach on the Rivercrest Riptide Summer swim team, where he applied his skills and passion for the sport and helped develop younger swimmers. At the University of Virginia, John Paul was considering the pursuit of a degree in either Medicine or Public Policy. He was a member of the UVA's Club Swim team, the Libertarian Club, Alexander Hamilton Society, and Arabic Conversation Club. John Paul loved the water, had an infectious personality, a smile for anyone, a quick wit, a wonderful sense of humor, was well read on a range of topics, relished good political debate, and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his parents, John & Karen Popovich; as well as his brother Matthew Popovich, and sister Kylee Popovich A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on 28 December 2015, at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Sterling, Virginia. Reception to follow at the Stone House in Cascades community, Sterling Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests any donations be made to "Friends of SNOW", a nonprofit organization that will be managed by the Popovich family and SNOW swimming. Given John Paul's passion for the sport of swimming, a memorial fund will been established. "JP Popovich Memorial Scholarship Fund", which will provide assistance to those who cannot afford swim fees and travel costs. Donations may be mailed to 22483 Verde Gate Terrace Ashburn, VA 20148