He was a priest and a visionary. A leader and a mentor. A friend and a husband. James Lopresti was many things to thousands of people, most of whom will never know how he improved their lives.
His closest friends, family, and colleagues gathered at The Center for Spiritual Living on Sunday, April 19.
His husband, Andy Fabricant, gave a eulogy that was simultaneously loving and gut-wrenching. Together more than 30 years, he talked of how they were more than partners, they were each other’s rock.
“We had a simple and small wedding. It was a sacred moment. The only flowers were bright daisies, symbolizing the bright future we imagined for ourselves.”
James will always be with him spiritually and physically.
“Our wedding rings are made from gold, melted from both of our families, symbolizing the joining of our two families.”
SunServe CEO Tony Lima led the service and talked about how, when he came to the organization five years ago, he recognized James as the spiritual and intellectual heart of the group and asked him to step back in to a more formal role.
“SunServe was, ultimately, Jim’s dream. His child. Jim wasn’t just a founding figure. He was grandpa, as he called himself. He was a guiding force. Someone who helped shape not only the organization, but the people within it.”
Eric Spindelman, SunServe’s Clinical Director, was a mentee of “Doctor L” as he called him.
“We were total opposites, although we were both Italians. Without Doctor L, I’ve been a little bit lost. He knew everything. I learned so much from him, and now I don’t have that person I went to for everything.”
His brother, John Lopresti shared memories from childhood and their conscious efforts to remain close over time and distance. James was a former Jesuit priest, and one of his friends from seminary shared their antics from back in the day.
Tawny Stottlemyer was a close friend and professional colleague from James’ days in Washington D.C., where he pioneered a modern set of standards and accreditation for those working in mental health.
All of this experience, combined with his innate sense of compassion, led him to help found SunServe in 2002.
James was also an amazing singer and a longtime member of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida. Nearly 50 members came and performed at the memorial as a loving tribute to their lost voice. The service ended with a solo of The Impossible Dream, his favorite song.
A tribute to James is at SunServe’s Fort Lauderdale headquarters, which is now named the Dr. James Lopresti Campus. His picture is the first thing people see as they walk off the elevator. A reminder that his impact, his knowledge, and his love continues.
