John Benton Ashmore passed away peacefully during the early morning hours at his home on Friday, November 19, 2021, with his daughters at his side. An optician by trade, John carried on his father’s optical company, Donald C. Ashmore Opticians in Pasadena, California. John was born on October 6, 1922, in Sierra Madre, CA. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945, honorably discharged as a Ensign (A1) L, U.S.N.R. where he served as a navigator on PBY medical rescue planes, Patrol Bombing Squadron NINETY-ONE. During his military service, he met his wife-to-be Bernice A. Stelin from San Marino, CA. Both USC alumni, John and Bernice married in December 1944, had their first child Anita, in 1952; Lisa, in 1956; and Mark, in 1958. They lived in Pasadena, Altadena, San Marino and moved to Newport Beach, CA in 1997.
John was a traveler at heart, following his dreams to see the world as early as 1937, when he and 2 other family members took a train to New York and an ocean liner to Europe, where they bicycled primarily in the British Isles, Germany, Austria and Holland. In 1982 he sailed his 37-foot sailboat, Spirit, along with his crew of 3, from Newport Beach to Hawaii. His love of travel carried on throughout his life, with trips—arm in arm with his travel partner, Bernice—to all of the continents with the exception of Antarctica.
As a “retired” resident of Lido Isle, John still made his way up to Pasadena to work with his son at the business, and enjoy his 40+ year membership at the University Club, well into his 80s. John and Bernice were active members of the Lido Isle Yacht Club, Mariner’s Church, and the Oasis Community Center where they joined an exercise group and Bernice continued her painting lessons.
Lido Isle was their true oasis, as they enjoyed socializing with their friendly and caring neighbors and fellow community members.
John was preceded in death by his wife Bernice and is survived by his 3 children, 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
