John David Vaughan passed away on April 24, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, stories, music, and love that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. Born in Southern California on June 16, 1969, and spending his teenage years in Northern California, John carried the spirit of the coast with him throughout his entire life. He was adventurous, free-spirited, and deeply connected to the things that made him feel alive — the ocean, surfboards, tropical places, traveling, and the sound of rock and roll music. He lived authentically and brought energy, humor, and individuality everywhere he went.
Throughout his life, John experienced many different paths and adventures that became part of the story he leaves behind. In his younger years, he worked around the production of the movie Free Willy, spent time working in the boat yards near San Francisco, and even worked at Taco Bell during his teenage years. In his later years, he worked as a bus driver, where his personality and presence touched many people throughout his community. No matter where life took him, John was someone who valued experience, freedom, and the people he met along the way.
John had a deep love for music and life itself. Rock and roll was more than just something he listened to — it was part of who he was. He found joy in traveling, being near the water, sharing stories with friends, and living in the moment. He had a soul that could never truly be tied down, and those closest to him will remember his laughter, his spirit, and the way he made ordinary moments unforgettable. He believed in enjoying life as it came and appreciating the beauty found in freedom, friendship, and adventure.
He was deeply loved by his mother, Karen Anderson; his father, Rick Anderson; his sisters, Danielle Pendery and Lisa Pendery; his daughters, Lillian Vaughan and Belinda Tapia; and “Ma” Tency. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, cousins, nephews, nieces, and countless other family members both here and gone who remained forever connected to his heart and spirit. John also leaves behind many concert buddies, band friends, and the countless people he simply enjoyed spending time with throughout his life. The connections he built were formed through music, laughter, loyalty, storytelling, and years of unforgettable memories.
Though John’s passing leaves a tremendous emptiness, his spirit continues on through the stories, songs, and memories he leaves behind. He will be remembered as someone who lived freely, loved deeply, and embraced life with an open heart. May he now rest peacefully among endless oceans, warm skies, and eternal music. Though gone from this world, John David Vaughan will forever be loved, remembered, and carried in the hearts of those who knew him.
My dad’s funeral: Please RSVP
Thanks in advance
Saturday, August 15
1 pm
15350 Penitencia Creek Rd.
San Jose, CA 95132
Hosted by Lillian Vaughan
Here is a piece of my writing regarding my dad:
John David Vaughan
June 16, 1969 – April 24, 2026
John David Vaughan passed away on April 24, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, stories, music, and love that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. Born in Southern California on June 16, 1969, and spending his teenage years in Northern California, John carried the spirit of the coast with him throughout his entire life. He was adventurous, free-spirited, and deeply connected to the things that made him feel alive — the ocean, surfboards, tropical places, traveling, and the sound of rock and roll music. He lived authentically and brought energy, humor, and individuality everywhere he went.
Throughout his life, John experienced many different paths and adventures that became part of the story he leaves behind. In his younger years, he worked around the production of the movie Free Willy, spent time working in the boat yards near San Francisco, and even worked at Taco Bell during his teenage years. In his later years, he worked as a bus driver, where his personality and presence touched many people throughout his community. No matter where life took him, John was someone who valued experience, freedom, and the people he met along the way.
John had a deep love for music and life itself. Rock and roll was more than just something he listened to — it was part of who he was. He found joy in traveling, being near the water, sharing stories with friends, and living in the moment. He had a soul that could never truly be tied down, and those closest to him will remember his laughter, his spirit, and the way he made ordinary moments unforgettable. He believed in enjoying life as it came and appreciating the beauty found in freedom, friendship, and adventure.
He was deeply loved by his mother, Karen Anderson; his father, Rick Anderson; his sisters, Danielle Pendery and Lisa Pendery; his daughters, Lillian Vaughan and Belinda Tapia; and “Ma” Tency. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, cousins, nephews, nieces, and countless other family members both here and gone who remained forever connected to his heart and spirit. John also leaves behind many concert buddies, band friends, and the countless people he simply enjoyed spending time with throughout his life. The connections he built were formed through music, laughter, loyalty, storytelling, and years of unforgettable memories.
Though John’s passing leaves a tremendous emptiness, his spirit continues on through the stories, songs, and memories he leaves behind. He will be remembered as someone who lived freely, loved deeply, and embraced life with an open heart. May he now rest peacefully among endless oceans, warm skies, and eternal music. Though gone from this world, John David Vaughan will forever be loved, remembered, and carried in the hearts of those who knew him.