John J. 'Buddy' Kirlin
2008
John J. 'Buddy'  Kirlin, 82, who founded one of the region's leading mechanical contracting firms, died Sept. 30 of congestive heart failure at his home in Chevy Chase. In 1960, Mr. Kirlin formed John J. Kirlin Inc. in the basement of his house in Washington. Over the next three decades, he expanded the company into one of the largest of its kind on the East Coast. The firm specializes in heating and ventilation systems in large commercial buildings.
He later established an asbestos removal firm and acquired air conditioning and building maintenance businesses. In the late 1980s, he sold his company but remained as president and chairman of the board until he retired in 1995.
Mr. Kirlin was born in Philadelphia and came to Washington as a child. He was a graduate of  St. John's College High School.
He served in the Army in Germany from 1950 to 1952 and was in the reserves until 1956. He worked for several area contractors before forming his own business.
He was on the boards of Riggs National Bank and Century Bank, and was a member of the Mechanical Contractors Association.
He was a major fundraiser for Georgetown Prep, Landon School, Bullis School and Holton-Arms School. He was a member of the Metropolitan Club, Columbia Country Club and Burning Tree Golf and Country Club.
He had a second home in Palm Beach, Fla.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Mary Ann Kerr Kirlin of Chevy Chase and Palm Beach; four children, John P. Kirlin II and Mary Ann Huntington, both of Chevy Chase, Thomas J. Kirlin of Eagle Rock, Va., and Timothy J. Kirlin of Bethesda; a sister, Anne Donatelli of Potomac; and seven grandchildren.
-- Matt Schudel