John Paul Pitchess

John Paul Pitchess passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025, at his home in Newport Beach. Just days earlier, John had enjoyed a joyful weekend surrounded by his entire family, a gathering filled with love and laughter that beautifully reflected the legacy he built throughout his life.

Born on March 21, 1942, in Kansas City, Missouri, John was the son of Athena and Peter J. Pitchess. His father, an FBI agent at the time of John’s birth, later served as Sheriff of Los Angeles County from 1958 to 1981. Shortly after John was born, the Pitchess family moved to Southern California, where they made their permanent home.

John graduated from Arcadia High School (1960) and Pasadena City College (1962) before attending the University of Southern California. At USC, he earned both his Bachelor of Science in Business (1965) and his Master of Business Administration (1967). He was also a proud member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

John’s lifelong partnership with his wife, Wendy Marquand, began in familiar places, as they first knew of each other as students at Arcadia High School. Their story truly began, however, when John’s brother Andy arranged a date for them while they were both attending Pasadena City College. They later continued on to USC together and married in 1965. They welcomed their son, Peter John Pitchess II, in 1967, followed by their daughter, Julie Secrist Browman, in 1969, and their daughter, Kathleen Pitchess O’Connell, in 1975.

In 1972, John and Wendy moved to Orange County, settling in Turtle Rock in Irvine, where they raised their three children and built a life rooted in community and family.

John’s professional career was spent in the insurance industry, where he and his brother Andy founded and operated several commercial insurance brokerages, including Pitchess & Perricone Insurance and Pitchess Insurance Associates, both based in Newport Beach. He concluded his career at EPIC Insurance in Irvine. John and Wendy spent their later years together in Newport Beach.

Sports were John’s greatest passion, both USC athletics and the many teams his children played on. He devoted countless seasons to coaching baseball, basketball, softball and soccer, earning a reputation as a compassionate and encouraging coach who cared deeply about the well-being and development of his players. His mentoring created lifelong friendships with former players and their families. As a fan, John rarely missed a game, becoming a beloved fixture at University High School events and a spirited presence at USC football games. He held season tickets for more than 40 years and was well known for hosting exceptional tailgates.

In time, John shifted his enthusiastic support to his grandchildren, cheering them on with the same devotion he once showed his own children. His presence on the sidelines was a constant source of pride and joy for them.

John was also an engaged and active member of his community. He was a Gold Cup member of the Noble Vikings of Orange County and a member of El Viaje de Portola, where he frequently competed on the bocce court. He treasured the friendships formed through these groups, along with many memorable rounds of golf at Aliso Viejo Country Club. John was also a longstanding supporter of Hoag Hospital and the Harbor Area Boys & Girls Club.

In his later years, John devoted himself to lovingly caring for Wendy during her courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. After 59 years of marriage, she passed away in August 2024. John now reunites with her in eternal peace.

John is survived by his children, Peter Pitchess (Teri), Julie Secrist Browman (Taylor), and Kathleen O’Connell (Michael) and by his eight grandchildren: Ford Secrist (Maddy), Jack Pitchess, Siena Secrist, Katie Browman, Sadie Pitchess, Preston Pitchess, Logan O’Connell, and Caiden O’Connell.

A service honoring John’s life will be held on Sunday, December 21, at Pacific View Mortuary and Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Hoag Hospital in John’s name.