John Joseph Kilian

1944 - 2024

John Joseph Kilian was born near Arlington, Virginia on November 7, 1944. A proud, lifelong Virginia native, John was in the second graduating class of Bishop O'Connell High School in Arlington. He went on to attend the University of Notre Dame, where he was a Dean's List student. While at Notre Dame, John met his lifelong friend and confidant John Driscoll - the two shared many happy memories together.
John had numerous hobbies. He was an avid fisherman, and fondly recalled many trips with his father to Canada, seeking northern pike and walleye. John loved most sports and was quite knowledgeable as both a fan and a coach. Friends knew he could always tell a Corvette by its model year, and had a voracious appetite for history. He raised many different pets throughout the years, having a special relationship with his favorite guinea pig, Piggy. An avid gardener, John rarely met a seed he couldn't cultivate or a fresh tomato he didn't like.
Preceded in death by his parents, John Joseph Kilian Sr., and Cecilia S. Kilian, John lived a full life of eighty years. He relayed many fond memories of his Uncle Connie, his grandmother, and his grandpa Ernst Kilian along the way.
John leaves behind his loving wife Ann Kilian, with whom he had recently celebrated his 45th wedding anniversary. They often visited the Outer Banks together, where John was cherished by local friends. His brother David Kilian remembers John's competitive streak, from frequent basketball games and hours of playing cards together growing up. Many pinochle games were shared by John, Dave, and their parents; many Phase 10 games were heavily contested between John, Ann, and their son Mike. Mike looks forward to sharing many great memories, stories, and lessons, from and about John, to his soon-to-be-born daughter - John's first grandchild.
John Joseph Kilian passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024. His wife and son were by his side, and the sun shone brightly for the first time in days as God called him home. He will be missed by many, but we know he has been welcomed in Heaven.
A visitation for John will be held Wednesday, December 11, 2024 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151. A funeral service will occur Thursday, December 12, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 7600 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA 22152.