Richard Jakopic, 61, a program analyst with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) who focused on issues regarding child care for low-income families, died April 18 at his home in Alexandria. He had complications from diabetes.
Mr. Jakopic oversaw research and evaluation studies conducted by research firms for the department while working in the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation in HHS's Administration for Children and Families. He was with the federal government for 34 years.
He was born in Cleveland and was a political science graduate from Boston University. He received an MBA in international business from George Washington University in the mid-1970s.
An avid arts enthusiast, Mr. Jakopic had served on the board of directors of MetroStage in Alexandria, and for 20 years, studied oil painting at the Torpedo Factory and shared his work with family and friends. He enjoyed oceans and beaches and spent vacations in Lewes, Del., Hawaii and the Caribbean, often the source of his artwork.
For 35 years, he was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown. Through the church, he volunteered as a mediator for a social service program helping teenagers who had been involved in misdemeanor crimes reconcile with those whom they hurt, provide restitution and perform community service.
Mr. Jakopic also helped raise funds for the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, which assists individuals and families with the genetic bone disorder.
He is survived by his former wife, Julie Jakopic of Alexandria; his brother James Jakopic of Cleveland, Ohio; and his nieces Rebecca and Rachael Nathanson and nephew Kyle Nathanson of Sterling, Va.
There will be a Mass for Richard on Thursday, May 31 at 11 a.m. in Georgetown at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, located at 3513 N. St., Washington, D.C.
Memorial contributions may be made to MetroStage (www.metrostage.org), 1201 N. Royal St., Alexandria, Virginia, 22314 or to the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation (www.oif.org), P.O. Box 630342, Baltimore, MD, 21263-0342.