John Brubaker of Park City, Utah, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 19, 2026, at the age of 85, after a five-year journey with cancer. Born and raised in Waggoner, Illinois, John carried his Midwestern values and work ethic throughout his life. He studied finance at the University of Illinois before building a distinguished 38-year career in banking. He was vice president of Continental Illinois National Bank of Chicago, president and CEO of Firstbank of Illinois Co., and chairman of First National Bank of Springfield, Illinois.
After moving to California, John was president and CEO of Central Bank Corporation and Bay View Financial Corporation. During this time, he was honored to be appointed by the Federal Reserve Board to its Thrift Industry Advisory Council. John met the love of his life, Caryl, in Chicago. They married in 1968 and built a life centered around family, travel and service to their communities.
Among the many nonprofit roles he held, John was especially proud of serving on the board of Springfield Memorial Hospital and launching LincolnFest, a free, two-day public festival in Springfield, as founding president of the board.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, John loyally followed the Bulls, Bears, Blackhawks, Cardinals and the Fighting Illini — and later added the Warriors, 49ers and the Jazz after moving west.
He loved the mountains and the outdoors, and after retirement settled with Caryl into a community of close friends in Park City, Utah, where he continued to golf, mountain bike and ski past the age of 80. Above all, John cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Caryl; his son, Scott and his wife Ana Cristina, and their sons, Nico and Alex; and his daughter, Susan and her husband David, and their daughter, Brit. He is also survived by his sister, Jane Fairchild.
To his family and friends, John was honest, reliable and generous. He had a gift for making anyone he spoke with feel like the only person in the room. Curious and genuinely interested in others, he always sought ways to make people feel welcome and comfortable. He was a model for his children and for all who knew him. We will remember him most for his kindness.
A celebration of life will be held later this year. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the People’s Health Clinic, an organization that meant a great deal to John. Donations may be made at: peopleshealthclinic.org.
