John Peters Willoughby

John (Johnny) Peters Willoughby passed away suddenly on November 24th, 2024. Our lives were forever changed when he was born on January 30th, 2015. Johnny was a beloved member of the Pepper Pike Community and everyone who came in contact with him was blessed by his contagious smile. His smile is famous. 

Johnny was a student at Moreland Hills Elementary School and in the 4th grade. Although Johnny’s differences made it a challenge to be included, his smile and personality made it easy. He was accepted and loved by his peers, friends, beloved paraprofessionals, intentional therapists, thoughtful and fearless teachers, bus drivers who made every trip fun, nursing staff who fiercely kept him safe and healthy, and all the staff who made it their mission to love on Johnny every day.

Johnny was a member of the Landerwood Swim Club community. He was, without question, a valued and recognized member of the neighborhood. He was included in every game played at the pool, he laughed at every basket made during pool basketball, he cheered for every member of the swim team and he smiled at every picnic. He was included in every game of Manhunt and Capture the Flag. We are genuinely so grateful for our neighborhood family for including him in this way.

Johnny participated in several extracurricular organizations. His favorites being Rec2Connect adapted swimming program, Rising Star, and Orange Rec Adapted Programming. Although, he was happiest on the road with his dad in his bike trailer. Johnny liked to go fast; in a car, in a bike, in his chair, in the pool, on rollercoasters.

Johnny leaves so many who loved him behind. His Dad, his best friend, his entertainer, his memory maker, Steve. His Mother, the one who knew him best, his voice, his advocate, his caretaker, Morgan. His two sisters Vera and Rose. He was so lucky to have the best two sisters. Each of them had their own special relationship with him. He loved them so much.

The only comfort in such a loss is who Johnny is joined with in Heaven. He will meet many loved ones but namely his twin brother Graham Allen. We picture them getting reacquainted and running as fast as they can through Heaven. 

Johnny was the dear grandson of John and Tory Willoughby, Frances and Dennis Drennan and Geoff Jollay. 

Those who wish may make contributions in his name to The Cleveland Foundation, Johnny’s Journey Fund, 6601 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44103. https://johnnysjourney.org/  

 Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 30th, 2024 at 1 pm in Garfield Memorial United Methodist Church, 3650 Lander Rd., Pepper Pike, OH 44124.  Reception to follow at Mayfield Country Club.

 FRIENDS MAY CALL AT BROWN-FORWARD, 17022 CHAGRIN BLVD., SHAKER HTS., OH 44120, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH, 2024 FROM 4-6PM.