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Alexandria, VA

John Paul Soos

john soos
John was born in Grove City, Pennsylvania, the youngest son of Frank and Angeline Soos, and grew up in nearby Mercer. After graduating from Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, John worked several jobs in retail, as a local disc jockey in Grove City, and as a member of several prominent regional country bands. John's Federal service began at the Office of Personnel Management in Boyers, Pennsylvania, before switching to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) as a Part-Time Flexible Clerk in 1977. After successfully completing a rigorous academic program in Potomac, Maryland, John became a U.S. Postal Inspector assigned to the former Cincinnati Division, taking on external crimes investigations in Ohio and Kentucky and earning recognition for efforts in solving numerous Post Office burglaries and check-theft rings. Later, while assigned to the Detroit Division's External Crimes Team, John led numerous successful task forces and was instrumental in a division-wide raid of a notoriously seedy local motel across from the Detroit Division. John was promoted in January 1994 to the Internal Affairs Division at USPS National Headquarters and worked a wide range of assignments including internal investigations, Headquarters building security, and executive protection of the Postmaster General.

After retirement in 2009, John enjoyed spending additional time with his family, playing his guitar alongside Christen while launching the contemporary choir at St. Louis Catholic Church, ushering at the Basilica of Saint Mary, and savoring all things "automotive." He mastered the art of car detailing and was often sought by prominent local celebrities for detail jobs. Unfortunately, John suffered a setback when his cancer recurred in 2012, but he continued to battle courageously and maintained a vibrant level of activity much of the time.

John's greatest love was his family. He was incredibly proud of Christen's achievements and enjoyed attending concerts and recitals. He cherished visits and chats with out-of-state family members. John also had a fond appreciation for his Postal Inspection Service coworkers, his fellow ushers, and countless others he treasured as friends. His endearing sense of humor, resiliency, and generous heart will be greatly missed.

John is survived by his wife Marianne, daughter Christen, brother Frank (Jennifer) Soos, and his beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, February 15, 11:00 a.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church in Alexandria, with Interment at Fairfax Memorial Park and a reception to follow.

Funeral Mass

St. Louis Catholic Church
2907 Popkins Lane
Alexandria, VA 22306

February 15, 2019
11:00 AM

Burial

Fairfax Memorial Park
4401 Burke Station Rd.
Fairfax, VA 22032

February 15, 2019
1:00 PM

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Guestbook

  1. I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. John was one of the nicest and most considerate people I have ever known. I am proud to have worked with John as a Postal Inspector, but even more importantly, been able to know him as my friend. My thoughts and condolences are with Marianne, Christen and the family.

  2. I am very sorry to hear of John’s passing. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let Perpetual Light shine upon him, May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace, Amen. If I may tell a quick story. John was one of the Inspectors sent out to investigate me for making an off duty stop after I had picked up my daughter after school. The kids involved had run some younger children off the road and complained I had pulled my gun on them. Jack showed the kid his gun, a stainless steel Ruger revolver. And the kid said, "That’s it, exactly like that!" John pointed out I carried a black Glock pistol and that discredited the kid’s story. God Bless you, John.

  3. I had the privilege to work with John twice while temporarily assigned to the Internal Affairs Division. I was happy to celebrate his one year remission – so sorry to hear it returned. I will always remember his coordinated tie, watch, and pen combos. His lively DJ caricatures brightened the days. My condolences to the family.

  4. I knew John when I worked in the Washington Division, ITD and at the crime lab and always thought well of him. My condolences to his family.

  5. I offer my condolences to John’s family. May he rest in peace. When I was a new Inspector in Detroit, my vehicle was stolen from the parking lot. After work, I was intending to drive one hour north to celebrate Christmas with my family. John not only drove me to the precinct to report the theft, he then drove me to my house and on to my parents’ home so I could be with my family. I have always remembered that act of unselfishness. Thank you, John and May God Bless You and Your Family.

  6. My condolences go to Marianne, Christen and all of John’s family. We worked at National Headquarters where our duties often brought us together and it was always a memorable experience. John’s passion was attending to detail and that carried over into his retirement. Our paths continued to overlap on many Sundays when he ushered at church and the Benz club functions. We last spoke a few months ago and we had planned to meet at church when he felt able to attend. May he rest in peace and know that he will always be fondly remembered

  7. My deepest condolences to Marianne, Christen and all of John’s family. I am one of the classmates who went through the Postal Inspector "rigorous academic program in Potomac, Maryland" with John (whom we affectionately called Doc) in early 1987. He was a great guy, always caring about his fellow classmates. God bless him and may he rest in peace.

  8. My deepest sympathies are extended to Marianne, Christen, and the rest of John’s immediate and extended family, including those in the Postal Inspection Service. I worked with John when he first came to Detroit and was grateful for his work ethic and attention to detail. "Doc" always took his job very seriously but, having a great sense of humor, not himself. I’m reminded of our periodic sessions in his office perusing the Weekly World News for the latest about Bat Boy or the alien with whom President Clinton apparently met regularly. Rest in peace John.

  9. My thoughts and prayers are with the Soos Family. I had the pleasure to work with John at National Headquarters for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. John had a tremendous sense of humor, great work ethic and his character was the definition of integrity.

  10. Wow! I’m saddened to hear of John’s transition, but happy to know he’s resting in peace with his Heavenly Father. I worked with John in Detroit and in NHQ. He was always one who demonstrated his caring heart. He loved people. I pray that our Lord Jesus, the Christ, will grant Marianne and Christen HIs peace (John 14:27).

  11. My condolences to Marianne and Christen. John was a kind man I had the privilege of knowing since 1987. His personal warmth, work ethic and humor will be missed by all. John truly was a Christian gentlemen. May he rest in prace.

  12. Our prayers are with you Marianne, Christen and John’s family. John was always there to help us at the Hollin Hills Pool, always willing to offer his expertise especially with the all-important sound system for the swim meets. Be strong through this difficult time and always rely on Christ’s plan for you and John. We’ll all meet again in Heaven some day.

  13. RIP John, We worked hard and played hard at the Postal Inspector Academy in 1987 and in Detroit 1990-1996. A founding member of the Detroit External Crimes City Team "Hat Squad" in Detroit! Great Memories, Good friend and coworker! Funny sense of humor as he fondly named his Boat "What da Problem!"

  14. John and I met in August 1986 in Potomac, Maryland, during the last stage of the application process to become postal inspectors. I liked John the moment I met him, and while we waited at the airport at the end of the day, we talked with each other about our futures. We met again in January 1987 and spent three months in training together. John was always a friend and was always concerned with others. It was a pleasure to know him. I offer my deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Doc

  15. I am so saddened to hear of John’s passing. My deepest sympathies to Marianne and Christen; I pray your memories will sustain you. John was an enthusiastic and devoted supporter of the Hollin Hills Swim Team where Christen swam. He was starter at meets for many summers, as well as the keeper of the sound systems. The team is still using the newest sound system John so carefully selected. His humor was on display when he would test the equipment with his smooth "radio" voices and witty comments. I remember John as a kind and generous man.

  16. I was honored to meet John while he was working in Cincinnati and later at National Headquarters. During a performance audit in Lexington KY, John kindly offered to drive me to Cincinnati to catch a flight and we talked (actually I listened) the whole way. He was so excited about his job and his plans for the future. All he needed then was a wife and family to share it with. I am so glad he got that. What a decent, considerate and honorable man he was! I will always cherish his memory. Rest in Peace, "Doc"

  17. I’m sorry to hear of John’s passing. Blair and I enjoying working with John during swim team. Our sympathies to Marianne and Christen.

  18. Marianne and Christian I just learned of John’s passing. I am sorry we were not there for him. John was the consummate gentleman and will be forever remembered as the DETAILER in his Rolls. I am comforted in knowing he will struggle no more. Scott

  19. Marianne and Christen,

    It is with sadness that today i learned of John’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with John in Detroit. He was a dedicated employee and a most unique character; full of non stop energy for both the work task at hand as well as madcap zaniness. I will recall him with a smile. My most sincere condolences.  

  20. Christen and Marianne

    John and I were in high school together.  We had a small rock band with Sam Snyder, Ed Kaltenbaugh, and myself called Blue Ice.  We had all lost contact with each other after high school, but gradually tracked each other down.  John was the last to be found, but we did it thanks to many people including his brother and daughter.  I got to talk with him a couple of times and always enjoyed our conversations. He always had a great sense of humor!  I will miss him.  I hope he finds peace in Heaven with our lord.  My condolences on your loss.


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