Staples’ Class of 1966 was one of the most politically, musically, artistically, athletically and community-minded group of students in our high school’s long history.
John Lupton
John Lupton III was president of that class. He was always proud of that. Throughout his life, he continued to give back — to his classmates, his alma mater, his town, his country and the causes he cared about.
“Johno” — as he was known to his fellow grads, all of whom knew him and he knew in return — died Thursday in Washington, after a long battle with cancer. He was 69 years old.
Lupton was born in Weston, to a political family. His father, John Lupton Jr., was a longtime state senator.
Weston students at that time did not have their own high school, so he attended Staples. He was involved in a number of activities there.
He took his class president duties seriously. At graduation ceremonies, the seniors donated a handsome “Staples High School” sign for the entrance at North Avenue.
John Lupton (left), Class of 1966 president, shakes hands with ’67 president Dick Sandhaus at the sign’s dedication ceremony. Principal Jim Calkins looks on.
A few years ago — decades after leaving — the class paid to refurbish the exterior of the Lou Nistico Fieldhouse at Staples, and added lighting to the current North Avenue entry sign. They also organized their own special scholarship fund through Staples Tuition Grants. Lupton was instrumental in all those projects.
After Staples, at the University of Minnesota, he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
His professional career was in advertising and sports marketing, in Atlanta. He also served several terms in the Georgia House of Representatives.
Returning to Westport, Lupton was hired as director of the Westport Historical Society.
His interests included baseball, blues music, travel and food.
John Lupton
Late in life he founded PCa Blue. The organization promotes prostate cancer awareness and education through blues music.
Survivors include his son, John Mather Lupton IV, and daughter Laura Adelaide (Lallie) Lupton. His son says, “Throughout his life, he was remarkably outgoing and optimistic. He was an incredibly loving and dedicated father.”
A memorial service will be held at Christ & Holy Trinity Church in Westport in late spring or early summer.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Lupton’s name can be made to his PCa Blue organization (click here).