John Gutierrez

John Gutierrez, age 74, of Hermosa Beach, California passed away peacefully on Monday, April 7, 2025. John was born in Detroit, Michigan and in the 1950s John’s family moved to Hermosa Beach, California. He went to Pier Avenue Junior High, and Mira Costa High School. John always loved sports and participating in sports. He played many baseball games at Clark Stadium before moving on to wrestling, baseball, and football in high school.

After high school John enjoyed playing beach volleyball at 19th Street in Hermosa Beach. He attended El Camino Junior College before going in the U.S. Army in 1970.

In 1973, John married Janice and soon they bought their first house in North Redondo Beach. Over the next few years John pursued his goal of becoming a firefighter by taking Fire Science courses at El Camino College and applying to fire departments throughout Southern California. He very happily joined the El Segundo Fire Department in 1977. His love of sports continued as he organized many of his fire department friends into softball teams which participated in the Fireman Olympics throughout California, even winning the gold medal at one of the tournaments.

John and Janice’s family grew with the birth of their first child, Wes, in 1977, Brett in 1980, and Lauren in 1985. They moved to Torrance to raise their children and soon they were participating in sports. John enjoyed coaching his kids’ teams in soccer, baseball, basketball, and softball. He also became involved as a volunteer in the sports organizations as part of the boards of TABB, RBYB, and Pop Warner. During this time John studied to become an engineer with the El Segundo Fire Department and was promoted to engineer in 1989.

John loved his family, his friends, volunteering and helping others, and his two favorite sports teams: The Commanders (aka Redskins) and the Dodgers. A loyal fan to both teams throughout his life, a major highlight for him was being able to secure season tickets to Dodger Stadium so he could go to as many games as he wanted. His children and grandchildren became avid Dodger fans and loved going to the games.

John retired from the El Segundo Fire Department in 2006. His sport of choice became golf. He was thrilled to welcome into his family Wes’ wife, LJ, Brett’s wife, Deanne, and Lauren’s husband, Casey. His five grandchildren, Kiana, Lexi, Kylie, Kevin, and William became the joys of his life and brought more team sports into his life. He loved watching them play and coaching them without being the coach. He also continued with his love of volunteering and helping others when he joined VFW Post 1622.

John is survived by his children, their spouses, his five grandchildren, eight brothers and sisters and their spouses, numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and Janice.

There will be a celebration of Life on May 16th from 1pm-5pm at VFW Post 1622, 1865 Lomita Blvd, Lomita, CA 90717.