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John Kelterer Obituary
Born in San Francisco on February 26, 1942, John grew up in the Sunset District and attended St. Ignatius high school (class of '59) and then went on to attend Santa Clara University, where he dominated on the basketball court and graduated with a business degree in 1963. After college, he married Diane Sischka and they resided out of state while John served as a captain in the Army. After completing active duty, they returned to the Bay Area, where John went to work at Wells Fargo Bank and obtained his MBA degree from the University of San Francisco.
John had a distinguished career in real estate finance and development. In 1974 he moved to Southern California, where he worked for 7 years as a Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo, during which time he formed the bank's mortgage company. In 1981 he left Wells for an investment banking position at Merrill Lynch and 9 years later he formed his own real estate consulting and development firm. His firm was the driving force behind a number of major So Cal projects, including the massive Rancho Santa Margarita development in Orange County. In addition to his consulting and development work, for the past 25 years John found great joy and fulfillment as an adjunct real estate professor at the Merage Graduate School of Business at UCI and at Chapman University.
John was a devout Catholic and an enthusiastic 49er fan. He was known for his generosity, his love of family, his love of country, his strongly-held beliefs, his booming voice and his infectious personality. His sense of humor and his extraordinary storytelling made him the life of every gathering, and truly made him unforgettable. In the end, he expressed his appreciation for having lived a full life, filled with great friends and a loving family. He will live on in the hearts of those he loved, who will never forget how he enriched each of their lives.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 21st at 10 am at St. Timothy Church in Laguna Niguel.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in John's name to Melmark New England (melmark.org) or the Hoag Carlton Heart and Vascular Institute, 1 Hoag Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92663.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Kelterer
Bill Wood
June 27, 2024
I played the piano at Casey´s while John sang his favorite Irish Ballards while we were both at Wells in the early 80´s. Most recently I had the pleasure of teaching with John to both undergraduates and grad students at Chapman. Never to be forgotten for sure.
Bill Wood
Dave Ritchie
June 18, 2024
I was very blessed to have an amazing friendship with Big John for 20 plus years. SC Football games, Super Bowl, Stanley Cup Finals, golf and many charity events. John´s friendship changed my life for myself and my family. My boys always called him Uncle John. Big John was the older brother I never had. I love you pal. RIP John.
Dave
Doug Neff
June 18, 2024
I got to know John in my Wells Fargo days and then afterward here in southern California. Always upbeat and always supportive of those who worked for him, John had that combination of dedication and decency that makes everyone smile when they think of him.
Richard Hay
June 18, 2024
From our first meeting at the Plaza Hotel in NYC for breakfast on St Patrick's Day in 1981 till now we were good friends. Condolences to your Family and God Bless.
Richard Hay
June 18, 2024
Condolences to the Family. John was a friend since 1981 since he hired me at Wells Fargo in LA.
I will keep him and all of the family in my prayers.
God Bless.
Bob Barbarisi
June 18, 2024
Prince,
As you well know, I met your No. 1 daughter, the lovely Katie, in 1984, when we watched the incredible Celtics over Lakers Championship together on Cape Cod. Last night, 40 years later, when the Celtics won their 18th, the first thing I thought of was how many great sports moments we shared together including The Miracle in Miami while sitting at the bar at Lakeside CC, the Patriots playoff victory over the then LA Raiders in the LA Coliseum, banging the ball around Sea Side Links in Chatham as well as countless others. Aside from giving me your greatest gift, I'll always treasure your incredible wit and generosity which has been passed onto your grandchildren. I know you are now hanging with your boys, telling a splendid tale and looking down waiting for the Lakers to get their No. 18 and the 49ers to get No. 6.
Rest in Peace Prince
Bobby B.
Bob Leet
June 17, 2024
Here´s a Brenans milk punch to you "Kelts".
Seve Barbarisi
June 13, 2024
Prince, I miss our texting and the banter as my Celtics are one game away from #18.
Seve
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