John M. Felton

June 13, 1932

- January 21, 2024

John M. Felton peacefully passed away at home on January 21, 2024, surrounded by family. He was 91 years old. John was born in Peru, Illinois, and he met the love of his life, Joan M. Felton, in high school. They got married before John was drafted into the army at the start of the Korean War. They had been married for 70 years. After he served two years in the army, he enrolled at Bradley University, majoring in finance. In John’s sophomore year at Bradley, their son, John D. Felton was born. In the last two years of college, John was an intern at a bank in Peoria, IL. After graduation, he accepted a position with Security Pacific Bank in its management training program, and the family moved to Burbank, California where their daughter, Kathy Felton Zetterberg, was born. The growing family moved to Canoga Park, CA, and then to Woodland Hills, CA as John continued his management training program with Security Pacific Bank, including positions as training officer, operations supervisor, and commercial-owned supervisor.

Soon after Security Pacific Bank offered John a position as Vice President Manager of a new branch, the Pomona Business Financial Center, in Pomona, CA. This opportunity led the family to move to Claremont, CA in 1974 where they lived the rest of their lives. John requested early retirement from Security Pacific Bank in 1990. However, John returned to his profession the following month when he accepted a position of Vice President and Manager of Citizens Business Financial Center in Pomona, CA, and eventually became promoted to Senior Vice President and Manager.

John served as President of the Rotary Club of Pomona, President of the Pomona Chamber of Commerce, and Chairman of the Board of Pomona Valley Hospital Foundation. He was also a member of the Los Angeles County Fair Association.

After their children were off to college, John and Joan enjoyed traveling to Europe, the East Coast, and La Jolla, CA. They enjoyed friends and golf at Red Hill Country Club for 46 years. As a loving great grandfather, “Papa”, valued his time with his six grandchildren and great granddaughter. They will remember him dearly for his enduring interest in their school, jobs, and activities, as they grew over the years. John was an avid golfer, swimmer, and walker. His steady and loving spirit remains in the hearts of all who knew him.

John was predeceased by his wife, Joan M Felton. He is survived by his son, John D. Felton (Sue S. Felton), daughter, Kathy Felton Zetterberg (Charles L. Zetterberg), grandchildren Lauren A. Felton, Charles F. Zetterberg (Audrey P. Zetterberg and great granddaughter Lucille R. Zetterberg), Nicole E. Felton, Andrew L. Zetterberg, John S. Felton, and Stephen D. Zetterberg, and brother James Felton (Mary Ann Felton).

A private family gathering celebrating a funeral mass will take place on February 29 at Our Lady of Assumption Church, followed by a burial at Oak Park Cemetery in Claremont.

Contributions may be made in John’s honor to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center or to the Claremont Educational Foundation.