Juan Bautista Londono

Juan B. Londoño, a renowned demographer and a man of profound wisdom and wit, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. Born on December 28, 1932, in La Ceja, a picturesque town nestled in the Antioquia region of Colombia, Juan brought joy and laughter to all who knew him. The seventh of nine children born to Joaquin and Juliana Londoño, Juan grew up surrounded by a vibrant and loving family. His early life was marked by a deep connection to his rural roots. He helped his father tend to livestock, learned to ride horses bareback, and developed a lifelong reverence for nature, tempered by a healthy fear of lightning, snakes, and the spirits of the night. Music was a constant presence in his childhood home, with family members often gathering to play the "tiple" and sing together in the evenings. His mother's enduring advice, "Son, be good to everyone", profoundly shaped his character and guided his interactions throughout his life. Juan's academic journey began with studies at the Colegio de los Hermanos Cristianos de La Salle. He later pursued higher education, earning a master's degree in Demography from the University of Chicago. His professional career was distinguished by groundbreaking work in the field of demography and social change. He held influential positions with organizations such as the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), US Agency for International Development (USAID), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council. His research and innovative programs in family planning had a significant impact on communities across Latin America, Africa, and beyond. Upon retiring in 2003, Juan dedicated himself to exploring the human condition. He and his wife, Yolanda, relocated to Orlando, Florida, where they spent the last 18 years of his life deepening his understanding of the mind, body, and soul, and seeking pathways to true and lasting happiness and fulfillment. Juan is survived by his beloved wife, Yolanda; his children, Lina, Juan David, Santiago, Julian, and Andres; his 12 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren; his sisters Sor Cecilia, Lucia and Sor Carlota, many other cherished family members including his brother-in-law Juan Francisco Forero, nieces, nephews and life-long friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A celebration of life is scheduled for January 31, 2025, at 11:00 AM at DeGusipe Funeral Home - West Orange Chapel in Ocoee, Florida. YouTube livestream: https://youtube.com/live/h1OLBWslZwQ?feature=share In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Apostolado de la Aguja, a charitable foundation established by Juan’s family in Colombia: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/decent-housing-for-families-in-uraba-colombia/

Juan Bautista Londono

December 27, 1932 - January 20, 2025