John Albert McClurg

John “Jack” Albert McClurg, of San Marino, California, passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s disease on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, surrounded by his family.
John is remembered most for his commitment to family and selfless dedication to all he pursued. The love he shared with the world continued to surround him until the end.
He was born on March 2, 1935, in Mitchell, South Dakota, and moved to California at the age of 5. He joined the Army in 1954 and was stationed in Honolulu, solidifying his love of Hawaii. Upon discharge, he married Joan Stoddard, attended Long Beach State and graduated while working full time as a copy boy and supporting his family.
In 1972, John and Maria Biernetzky were wed. They moved to San Marino two years later. He was ever-present for his family in San Marino, Santa Rosa and Humboldt County. John never made himself the center of attention, but his presence was always felt and appreciated. There are many family stories of his sage advice being solicited and proving true.
John’s relentless drive to provide for his family was a guiding example for his children and grandchildren. He retired from the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services as a hospital administrator in 1996 after nearly three decades of service. He had also served as the chief operating officer of the Community Hospital of San Gabriel. Throughout his career he was passionate about real estate, opening the brokerage firm Danrox in 1981 and remaining active in the field until Alzheimer’s precluded this work.
During the past 49 years in his beloved community of San Marino, John was involved and active with Scouts, Rotary, the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and the Holy Family Giving Bank.
In addition to his legacy of love and giving, John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Maria, their children Christina Riehl (Johner) and Michael McClurg (Deidre), and his children from his first marriage John McClurg (Natali) and Julie Tyler (John). He will also be remembered by his 10 grandchildren (Jason, Ryan, Kayla, Michelle, Lauren, Quinner, Ashia, Zyler, Libby and Magnolia), four great-grandchildren (Peyton, Skyler, Jayden and Jasper), sister (Janet) and his many nephews and nieces who brought so much joy to his life.
John was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Hazel McClurg and his brother Richard “Dick” McClurg.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 24, at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Church in South Pasadena. Maria and her family encourage you to join them for the service and the celebration of John’s life to follow.