John S. Rampersaud

John Sebastian Rampersaud rose to ascension as the sun went down on the evening of October 4th, 2016 at the Washington Hospital Center where he fought and ended a gallant battle against heart disease.  A battle that lasted three years. He was 35 years old

John was born September 20th, 1981 in Palmyra Village, Guyana, South America.  His family is comprised of his parents, Michael and Jeanette Rampersaud, his two older brothers Michael Jr. and Timothy, his sisters-in-law Candace and Mae and his two adorable nephews, Nicholas Sharod and Nathan Bruce.

John grew up in Aspen Hill and attended Harmony Hills Elementary School before moving to the Olney area where he attended Cashell Elementary School, Redland Middle School and Magruder High School.  He gained an Associate Degree from Montgomery College,  a BS in Game Design from Univeristy of Baltimore, an MA equivalent in Education from Trinity College in Washington DC, and CCNA Certification in Routing, Switches and Security.

John was often called the "Gentle Giant."  It was a moniker he held with great pride.  Growing up, John embraced his strength.  So it is no surprise that he’s best known for his love of He-Man, the Hulk and the Washington Redskins.  As a child he played baseball in both elementary and middle school.  Then in high school, he played defensive line, alternating between left and right tackle with his brother Tim.  But John’s abilities didn’t reside solely in his arms.  From a young age, many doubted John’s ability to succeed, but it was John’s will to better himself that made him the hero he really was.  This is what gave John his indomitable strength of character.

John was also known for his many passions, including his vast collection of action figures, his adoration of blade smithing, his love for cooking, his penchant for technology and his undeniable talent for art.  But what he was most passionate about was his family.  This was expressed through his youthful demeanor and genuine love for helping others.  It also made him a perfect fit to be an educator.  He also had a protective soul, and his fierce loyalty to his family and loved ones was never compromised.  Though his presence may have been intimidating, his compassion and his embrace would engulf all those fortunate enough to be privy to it.  While many of those closest to John have their own take on who he was, you will always here these things:  he was genuine, loyal, compassionate, and considerate.  But above all, he put you before himself.

John is survived by a wealth of family and a bounty of friendship.  He fought a brave fight for all of us. And though it is easy to say that he left us far too soon, if you held John in your heart, the way he held his loved ones, his memory will forever live on.  His was a light that is sure to return.