John was born in Bonesteel, South Dakota on August 6, 1932, to Ruby and Leo Gildea. He passed away peacefully January 5, 2026, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. He was 93 years old.

John grew up in Nebraska (Freemont and Norfolk.) He attended Norfolk Sacred Heart School Elementary through high school graduating in 1950. He worked for the Chicago N.W. Railroad before joining the U.S Navy in 1951 and received an honorable discharge in 1955. Norfolk Jr. College was his next goal; he received his AA in 1958 and there he met his future wife Carol Best. They were married in 1960 and have four wonderful children and twelve great grandchildren.

In 1961, he received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Nebraska, he then went on to receive a master’s in mathematics from the University of Tennessee and later completed hours above his master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin.

In 1967 John (known to many as Jack, especially to his wife Carol) headed to Lompoc, CA. with his family to secure his future for over thirty years as a mathematics Teacher at Cabrillo High School and Allen Hancock College. He retired from Cabrillo in 1997 and several years later, from Allen Hancock College.

John spent a lot of time with his family and many friends. He enjoyed playing Town Team Basketball, hang gliding, snow skiing, trips on his motorcycle, working out at Planet Fitness, walking at the Mission with Ron, and Roll Call at Jaspers Bar. He was member of the VA, VFW, American Legion, Elks Lodge and La Purisima Concepcion Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ruby and Leo Gildea, sisters Zola, Betty, Pat and stepsister Veda, brothers, Jim, Mike, and stepbrother Bob.

He leaves behind his sister Cora Ellen Mather, his wife Carol of 65 years, sons Mitchell (Ruth), Craig (Yvonne), daughters Angela (Cris) Pickles and Jolene (Eric) Murray. Also, nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. The latest born January 2, 2026, to Cora and Jared Philpot. They named him Jack after their beloved grandfather.

A funeral mass will be held at La Purisima Concepcion Church, 213 W. Olive Avenue, Lompoc on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 11 am, followed by military and burial services at Lompoc Cemetery.

A celebration of life will be held at Lompoc Elks Lodge, 905 E. Ocean Avenue, after all services. All are welcome.