John Edward Elder

John was born in Beacon, New York. He was the first of four children born to William Stephen & Roseanne Elder, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Helen Grace; his brothers William (Rose) of Murray, KY, and Thomas (Paula) of Sainte Genevieve, MO; his sister Elizabeth (Christopher) Carrico of Metamora, IL; three nieces and three nephews. He will be missed by many aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and friends.

John was raised in Vermont and moved to Kentucky after the death of his father in 1975. He graduated from Mayfield High School, Mayfield, KY, in 1981 and then attended and graduated from Christian Brothers College (University) with a BS degree in electrical engineering in 1985. He began his facilities engineering career at the Naval Aviation Depots in Jacksonville, FL and San Diego, CA, and moved to Rohr Industries in Chula Vista, CA. In 1993, he joined ILA+Zammit Engineering, became a senior associate and subsequently a principal of the firm. He registered as a Professional Engineer in Electrical Engineering in the State of California in 1995. In 2008, he started working at Qualcomm as a staff facilities electrical engineer.

In February 1988 John married his college sweetheart Helen Grace in San Diego, CA. They had no children.

John lived for his family, friends and work, and his true passion was music -- he was a lifelong master drummer and budding singer. He was devoted to liturgical music ministry at both Saint Brigid Catholic Church in Pacific Beach and St. Francis Chapel at the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala and played masses at both churches every weekend. He also drummed for a number of bands, almost never turning down an opportunity to play anything from folk music to heavy metal.

Visitations will be held on Saturday, July 14 & Sunday, July 15 from 5pm to 9pm at the Chapel of the Roses, Glen Abbey Memorial Park, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902. The evening vigil service and rosary will be held at the Chapel of the Roses Sunday, July 15 at 7pm.

The funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 16 from 11am to 12pm at Saint Brigid Catholic Church, 4735 Cass Street, San Diego, CA 92109. Interment will follow immediately at La Vista Memorial Park, 3191 Orange Street, National City, CA 91950.

The memorial service (including Mass) will be held on Saturday, August 18 at Saint Jerome's Catholic Church, 20 State Route 339 N, Fancy Farm, KY 42039. Visitation with the family will be held from 1pm to 2pm, and the memorial Mass will be held from 2pm to 3pm. A potluck reception will follow after the Mass at the Fancy Farm Elementary School Cafeteria (across the street from Saint Jerome's Catholic Church).