John Joseph Brophy

John was born in Miami Beach, Florida November 18, 1932 to John Joseph and Rosa Jane (Pleasant) Brophy. He had four sisters; Rose Marie, Violet Francis, Kathleen Joan and Sarah Jane. John spent most his childhood years at the beach, caddying at the golf course, walked his father’s race greyhounds and delivering newspapers. The family later moved to their home in Covington, Kentucky.

John served in the US Army during the Korean War from June 1951 to May 1953. He was awarded the National Defense Service and Good Conduct medals and was issued an Honorable discharge.

John married Virginia Anna Tasch on July 15, 1957. They moved their family to Southern California in 1961. There, John worked as an ironworker welding the structural steel framework of high rises. He was a member of the Iron Workers Union 433 until he retired in 1994. Virginia passed away in 2004.

John has spent the last thirteen years with his companion and best friend Eileen Centonze. They enjoyed retirement life traveling and watching movies together. He enjoyed working around his yard, swimming in his pool and golfing.

John was from a family of golfers. His father John Joseph Sr., played amateur golf and was the Golf Pro at Bay Shore Golf Club in Miami Beach, Florida and later at Fort Mitchell Country Club in Kentucky. His father had two brothers, Ed and Jim who were golf pros and his Aunt Kate Brophy became one of the first female golf professionals in the U.S. It was obvious to all who knew John, of his passion for the game of golf. He was a member of Whittier Narrows Men’s Club followed by El Prado Men’s Club and most recently Marshal Canyon Men’s Club. John played in many amateur championship tournaments. John spent his final day doing what he enjoyed most, playing an eighteen-hole round of golf.

John was also a family man, he looked forward to family gatherings and swimming with his grandchildren in his pool. His grandchildren warmed his heart filled him with undeniable happiness.

John was survived by Eileen and his three children; Tina Marie, Yvette Ann and John Michael, three step children; Thomas, Karen and Debbie, eight grandchildren, twelve step grandchildren, one great granddaughter and twenty-seven step great grandchildren. John also had a step son Gregg who is deceased.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 29, 2017 at Stone Funeral Home in Upland, CA followed by a grave site service at Oak Park Cemetery in Claremont CA.