John (Jack) Paul Brown, a cherished figure in the San Pedro community, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, at the age of 92, surrounded by his family. His life spanned nearly a century filled with love, service, and a deep connection to his hometown of San Pedro, California.
A Life Rich in Memories and Achievements
Born on March 10, 1933, to Robert and Agnes Brown, Jack grew up in Long Beach before moving to San Pedro, where childhood memories included catching tadpoles at Averill Park and selling newspapers to sailors arriving at the port. As one of the first employees at Helen Grace Chocolates, he started his working life early, demonstrating a strong sense of community and dedication.
Jack’s formative years were marked by his education at Mary Star of the Sea Elementary School and St. Anthony’s High School. Before the construction of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, young Jack took the ferry across the harbor to reach his school. His passion for sports emerged during high school, where he excelled as a distance runner on the Track and Field team, earning numerous accolades for his performances.
After high school, Jack pursued a degree in Drafting, continuing his athletic pursuits as a member of the college track team. He began his professional career at Northrop Grumman. Later, he ventured into entrepreneurship, starting his own business and employing friends and colleagues he met along the way.
A Legacy of Love and Community Involvement
In 1969, Jack met his soulmate, Rita Cebula. The couple married on April 17, 1971, and together they raised two children: Dennis, born in 1972, and Julie, born in 1975. The family was deeply involved in their local church, with Rita dedicating 25 years to teaching at Holy Trinity Church.
Jack was known for his love of family vacations, gardening, and various DIY projects. His unique sense of humor brought joy to many, and he enjoyed starting each day with a cup of coffee and a crossword puzzle while keeping a close watch on the stock market. His hobbies also included coin collecting, reflecting his curious and engaged nature.
Jack is survived by his children, Dennis and Julie, as well as grandchildren Natalie and Vincent. He will also be missed by his sister Agnes Welsh and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his beloved wife Rita, his parents Robert and Agnes, brother Robert, sister Phyllis Smith, and nephews Bob and Tom Smith.
A funeral mass will take place on January 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Holy Trinity Church, followed by burial at Green Hills Memorial Park. Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guestbook at mcnerneysmortuary.com.
