Jordan Rafael Custodia, surrounded by loved ones, ended his long battle with brain cancer on July 4, 2023, shortly after his 38th birthday. He is survived by his wife, Katie McCanna; his aunt Janice Marks; his mother, Susie Marks, and his half-brother Dorian Custodia. He is also survived by his and Katie’s adored dogs, Aurora and Pinto. He is remembered by his many friends as a lover of adventure, food, art, and a huge fan of everyone he loved.

Born on May 11, 1985, in Concord, California, Jordan began his life’s journey in Tracey, CA, before relocating to San Diego at the age of 3 when his mother chose to pursue her studies at UCSD. Growing up, Jordan was exposed to a diverse array of humans, which may have contributed to his remarkable ability to treat every person he met with equal respect and kindness.

Throughout his early education, Jordan attended several public schools in the San Diego region, including Doyle, Florence, Jefferson, and the preschool at UTC Mall. He later attended Roosevelt Jr. High and became part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at San Diego High School. Although he experienced academic setbacks and challenges, including suspensions and expulsions, Jordan remained determined to carve his own path. He briefly
attended School for Creative and Performing Arts and eventually returned to San Diego High before being expelled due to truancy and involvement in drug-related activities. He then attended The Charter School of San Diego until 2002, when he decided to take the California High School equivalency test and venture to Phoenix to pursue a professional certification in automotive repair. In 2003, he resided in Rancho Cucamonga, where he celebrated his 18th birthday.

Returning to San Diego later in 2003, Jordan’s life took a significant turn for the better when he met his future wife, Katie, at an auto parts store in August 2004 at the ripe age of 19.

Jordan’s professional journey was marked by transitions and roles that were as numerous and dynamic as his vast interests. He worked as a mechanic, concrete cutting assistant, student of photography, apprentice finish carpenter, indoor plant maintenance worker, bicycle mechanic, student of engineering, and a tutor in subjects like physics and calculus. He also worked as an engineering intern, a junior manufacturing engineer, a manufacturing engineer, and eventually became a senior mechanical design engineer at Solar Turbines. Along the way, he pursued education at San Diego City College, ultimately earning his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from San Diego State University in 2017. During his time at SDSU, Jordan collaborated with a team of friends to create a device that captured CO2 emissions from breweries, showcasing his innovative spirit.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Jordan embraced a wide range of hobbies and activities that brought him joy and fulfillment. He indulged in road bikes, motorcycles, vintage cars, BMX bikes, building projects, coffee roasting, cocktail mixing, cooking, savoring delicious meals, disc golfing, hiking, mountain biking, camping, road-tripping, and skateboarding, all a testament to his adventurous spirit.

In 2013, Jordan experienced a life-threatening motorcycle accident that led to the discovery of a brain tumor. Despite the challenges that followed, including intensive rehabilitation and cancer treatments, he tenaciously returned to his studies and successfully completed his degree. In late 2021, an MRI revealed a lesion in a previously radiated area of his brain, which was later confirmed to be an astrocytoma through a biopsy conducted in November 2022. After undergoing months of treatment and enduring a gradual decline in his health, Jordan made the difficult decision to end his own suffering under the California End of Life Option Act. He chose July 4 so that he could go out with a bang, asking his loved ones to think of him later that evening as they watched those bright, colorful, magical explosions in the sky.

Jordan’s memory will forever be cherished by his loved ones and all those who were touched by his kindness, determination, and resilience. He will be remembered for his unwavering optimism, his pursuit of knowledge and innovation, and his zest for life. In his honor, let us celebrate the life he lived, the love he shared, and the inspiration he brought to others. May his soul be at peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire us all to live life to the fullest, just as he did. (Written by Barbarella Fokos)