John Elwood Riordan

It is with a heavy heart we share the passing of John Elwood Riordan on July 11, 2024. He was born September 5, 1927 in Cape Girardeau, MO to Wilson and Clara Riordan and had an older brother, Joseph Earl.

John was called to serve his county (WWII), while a senior in high school. He joined the Coast Guard and was a Morse Code instructor. After the service, he married and they had two children. He opened a tv and radio repair business in Michigan, but ended up moving to California in 1963 and Culver City in 1965. He worked for the Rand Corp. for a few years before opening his own plumbing business, John Riordan Plumbing, Inc. which he ran for 52 years! He ran his business like a family and was dearly loved by his employees, a few who were there for decades! It also afforded him time to give back to the community he loved and belonged to numerous organizations! Here are just a few, Culver City Education Foundation, Culver City Police Explorer Scout Program, The Chamber of Commerce, The Masonic Lodge, The Shriners, Kiwanis Club, The Garden Club, The Rock & Mineral Club, The Jeffrey Foundation. He supported Culver City schools donating to provide newspapers for students, mentored kids from the high school so they could check out different trades, he even went and read to the kids. He supported and donated to Boy Scouts, and even helped at the Fireman’s Pancake Breakfasts! He loved Culver City and was so proud to be chosen the very first Culver City Citizen of the Year!

He loved to travel with the Chamber of Commerce and visited numerous places in America but also many countries around the world! He was a kind and generous man and will be missed by so many!

He is survived by his two children Margaret Ann (Jonathan) Wenzlaff and David L. (Allene) Riordan; four grandchildren: Stephanie (John) Travis, Peggy (Nate) Grow, Steven Black II, and Jonathan Riordan; Seven great-grandchildren: Kristin Travis, Nicholas Travis, Marissa Travis, Shalyn (Evan Vonderheide) Grow, Gabriel (Hanna) Grow, Emma Grow, Lydia Grow and two great-great grandchildren: Eleanor Marinin and Teagan Grow. Along with a niece, nephew and many cousins.

There will be a reception 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm after the funeral - Address and details provided at the funeral.