John Lester Lovering Jr., Captain, U.S. Navy, retired, a resident of Virginia Beach, went to be with our LORD on February 13, 2020. John was the beloved son of the late John Lester Lovering Sr. of Boston, MA and Elizabeth Lovering of Newport, RI.
John was born on September 26, 1961 in Boston, MA. His lifelong love of the sea began during his teen years on Cape Cod. He graduated from Tabor Academy in Marion, MA, where he was on the sailing and wrestling teams. Following his commissioning from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1983 with a degree in marine engineering, he was assigned to submarines. He proudly served on active duty for 24 years, guided by love of God and country. Assignments included: Engineering Liaison Officer, USS Boston (SSN-703); Command and Control Officer, Submarine Group Seven (Yokosuka, Japan); Engineer, USS Jacksonville (SSN-699); Executive Officer, USS Pennsylvania (SSBN-735); Commanding Officer, USS Hampton (SSN-767). After command, he served as Staff Operations and Plans Officer, U.S. Second Fleet, and Submarine Warfare Officer, Norfolk Naval Shipyard.

John is survived by his beloved mother, Elizabeth, two sons John Lester Lovering III (Kristen) and Walter Henry Lovering, and former wife Barbara MacFarland Lovering. The joy of his life was family, with whom he shared his many talents and interests: playing beautiful piano music, chess, reading, writing, fishing, and sailing. John’s faith in God and service to country are the banners of his love. All who were touched by his heart will never be the same. We will love and miss him forever and know he is now resting in peace.

A memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be held on Friday, February 28 at 1:00 p.m. at Great Neck Baptist Church, 1020 General Jackson Drive, Virginia Beach, VA. He will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Gideons International or the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society. Condolences may be left for the family at www.altmeyerfh.com.

To memorialize John’s memory by giving to Gideons International, click HERE

To honor his memory by giving to the Navy Marine Relief Society, click HERE