John was born on July 8, 1947 to the union of Francis and Edna Giltner.  Raised in Orange, NJ, he went to Orange High School and he earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration while in the service.  At his young age of 17, he left his hometown to join the Navy.

John joined the Navy in 1966 and had the privilege to see the world.  During his military tour, he was assigned to six different naval ships and numerous overseas duty assignments.  His superb dedication and hard work in the Navy were highly notable; and not left unnoticed, evidenced by his early promotion and frocked to the highest enlisted rank of Master Chief with only16 year in the service.  In 1986, he retired from the Navy with 20 years of service.

Following his successful military career, he worked as a civilian employee and held various financial positions in the Department of the Navy where he retired as a Comptroller.

John joined the Knights of Columbus St. Michael's Council 11632 in Poway, California in May 1996. He served the council in various capacity and became Grand Knight in 2000-2001. He also served on the First, Second, and Third-Degree Ceremonial Teams.  Many of these positions he held for multiple years.  He served as San Diego Diocese Chapter President 2006-2007 after going through the chair of officers.  John served the California State Council as District Deputy and many other positions as a State Committeeman including that of Editor of the Golden State Knight letter for six years. He is a member of Father Joseph T. O'Callahan Assembly.  He served as Comptroller at Bishop Buddy Assembly and Fr. Joseph T. O'Callahan Assembly as well as serving on both assemblies' award-winning Color Corps Teams. John served as the Secretary to the Master of Southern California District. John served the California Columbian Charities, Inc. as Vice President and as Secretary for several years.

On December 8, 2020, John passed away peacefully and joined his Creator.  John is survived by Linda, his wife of 37 years, his sister Deborah Evans, his brothers Frank and Daniel.

Holy Rosary will be at 10:30 in the morning, Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at the Holy Family Center Patio of St. Michael's Parish.

Celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., after the Rosary, with Father Brent Kruger as the celebrant.

Committal service with military honors will follow at Miramar National Cemetery.  Arrangements are by Poway-Bernardo Mortuary. Pallbearers will be from the Knights of Columbus, St Michael's Council 11632.

The family of John wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and Poway-Bernardo Mortuary.