

John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, enlisting on January 3, 1951. He was assigned to the 3310th Medical Group at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois before transferring to California, where he continued to serve with distinction.
In his early years, John lived in Newport Beach, where he worked as a commercial fisherman and diver in San Pedro. His love for the ocean guided much of his life. He found joy in sailing to Catalina, the local islands and in joining his sons, Joe and John, for the annual Newport to Ensenada race.
John also had a deep appreciation for nature and the great outdoors. He cherished camping trips to Yosemite with his family and was an active member of the Sierra Club, finding peace and purpose in the beauty of the natural world.
John is survived by his four children, Joe (Tami) Huggan, Jennifer Huggan, Linda (Allen) Rich, and John (Erin) Ellington Jr. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren: Tyler (Juliet) Huggan, Alex Huggan, Savanna (Warren) Hurst, Riley Ellington, Mia Ellington, Jocelyn Gonzalez, Carmen Mendoza, and Dyllan Gonzalez.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sheila Ellington, and his parents, Robert and Lou Ada Ellington.
A funeral service and viewing will be held on November 7, 2025, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Pierce Brothers Mortuary, 5600 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village, California, followed by a celebration of life.
Though John has set sail on his final voyage, his spirit remains an ever-present light. In the whisper of the wind and the rhythm of the waves, his family will continue to feel his steady and loving presence. His greatest joy was his family, and his legacy lives on in their memories, stories, and love. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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