John Anthony Pearson's Obituary
Honoring the Life of John Anthony Pearson
March 31, 1957 – January 5, 2026
Our family remembers John Anthony Pearson as a cherished husband, stepfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. His presence filled every room with steady warmth and quiet confidence.
John was born on March 31, 1957, in Minneapolis, Minnesota but spent most of his life in Southern California. He was studious, graduating from Leuzinger High School in 1975 (Lawndale), among those at the top of the class. He enjoyed his time with his close friends, Greg Benecke and Scott Thompson. They remained friends for many years following graduation.
He attended California State University, Long Beach and studied engineering, landing a job at Lockheed (Skunkworks) immediately upon graduation. When his close friend, Doug Neff, retired and moved to Mount Juliet, Tennessee, John decided to retire and move also. John and Doug spent their time reliving their work days and woodworking. John made beautiful, miniature, working models of machines. John also enjoyed playing chess and listening to music. The Beatles were particular favorites. He developed a passion for botany in retirement and loved to look, and study wildflowers. Shortly before he passed away, he and Maude spent several days at Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park where he was able to enjoy the wildflowers that the mountain had to offer.
Several years after retiring, John reconnected with Maude Stearns, who was the first girl he had dated. They met on their first day of 9th grade and the seeds of a lifelong love were put in place. He joined her for a memorable 2-month journey through Italy, and that was the beginning of a beautiful, but too short, relationship. They became engaged in Venice, overlooking the history and beauty of the canals. Shortly after returning from Italy, John moved to the state of Washington, joining Maude in Southworth. He quickly embraced living among the trees with views of Puget Sound and enjoyed experiencing other parts of the state. His favorite was Walla Walla with the rolling wheat fields, wineries, and restaurants.
They were married at Alderbrook Resort in Washington surrounded by close friends and family on March 20, 2024. It was a beautiful wedding!
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife, Maude Pearson, his stepsons, Alexander Rodzyanko (Kyoka) and their 2 children Toa and Lilia, Edwin Stearns-Droker (Maria) with whom he happily shared growing up in the 1970’s, his sister, Beatrice Soila, his brother, Fred Pearson, and numerous nieces and nephews (Eric, Bo, Amy, Mary, Anna). He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Pearson and Marguerite (Cardoza) Pearson.
John left us much too soon on January 5, 2026, in Puyallup, Washington. The memory of his kindness, compassion, beaming smile and ability to listen will be with us forever. The positive impact he had on all of us, wife, siblings, nieces, nephews, and step-sons will be long remembered. It is rare to have someone in your life that you have good memories of. John fit that to a tee! May his memory be a blessing to us.
There will be a memorial service for John in Las Vegas, date and time are TBD with burial at Mission San Luis Obispo. The details will be updated here as plans are made.
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