Roll Call Tribute

John Drew "Johnny" VandePutte 

August 13, 1940 - February 18, 2024 

John Drew “Johnny” VandePutte, 83, of Falls Church, VA, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2024, in Arlington, VA, surrounded by family. He was born on August 13, 1940, in San Angelo, TX, to the late John Francios VandePutte and Clara (Patteson) VandePutte.

After graduating from Gonzaga High School in Washington, DC, Johnny furthered his education at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. After graduating in 1963, he served in the U.S. Navy. He was sent to Officer Candidate School in Rhode Island, then to Vietnam. His first assignment was on the Boxer Amphibious Assault Ship. He was medically discharged in 1968 and was very proud of his Navy career.

Johnny dedicated many years to the family business, The Alamo Mexican Restaurant in Riverdale, MD, until its sale in 1986.

Johnny, or Pepe, as his grandchildren called him, was known for his quick wit. He cherished spending time with his family, enjoying meals together, watching documentaries, and engaging in discussions about political events. Pepe loved to give all the grandchildren nicknames. They were affectionately known as Stick, Snake, Drew, Gabby, Little One, JJ and Nail. Every time anyone left their house to go home, “Pepe-cookies” (peppermint patties) were snuck out of the freezer.

He will be deeply missed by the love of his life, his beloved wife, Marisa (Werlang) VandePutte. They moved from Hyattsville, Maryland to Falls Church, Virginia in 1996. Their new home was a destination for countless celebrations and regular family dinners. Together they enjoyed traveling to Porto Alegre, Brazil, Marisa’s hometown, during the winter months. They also visited the Mediterranean on a cruise, visiting numerous ports, and returned to their favorite city, Rome,

He is also survived by his daughter Amy Brewer of Clarksville, MD; sons Tarso Werlang of Thurmont, MD, and Marco Werlang (Carla) of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren Kyra Brewer, Jake Werlang (Mandy Geisendaffer), Tais Werlang, Nate Werlang, Alixandria Werlang, and Cait Werlang; great-grandchildren Aubree Geisendaffer and Forest Werlang; and sister Ann Witten (Don) of Columbia, MD.

A celebration of Johnny's life is planned for August 2024, with details to be announced. Additionally, a memorial service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

The Everly Funeral Home in Falls Church, VA, is assisting the family with arrangements.

May Johnny's memory be a blessing to all who knew him. His favorite saying was “May the good Lord take a liking to you”, and we are sure that the good Lord is doing just that.