John Gomery Kirby of Chester, MD passed away January 12, 2024, at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. He was born December 11, 1939, in Washington, D.C., of parents Clifford and Marie Kirby (Lickers).
John graduated from Bladensburg High School, was in the USAF and attended Prince Georges Community College and the University of Maryland. He began flying in 1966 and held aviation-related positions for 40+ years. He managed Queen Anne’s County Bay Bridge Airport, Stevensville, MD from 1995-2007. He held community outreach efforts there, e.g., Wings and Wheels for Sight that raised funds for vision research and assistance. He was a corporate pilot for Clarks Landing. He co-owned Aerosource Inc. and flew Washington Metro area media rush-hour traffic surveys and other aerial surveys for Federal agencies. He taught flight and managed local airports in Prince Georges and Anne Arundel counties. Some of his many trainees went on to fly for the military, airlines and corporations or as astronauts.
John was highly active and a leader in national and state-level aviation associations, the Kent Island Lions Club, and Kent Island United Methodist Church. From his mid-teens he served volunteer fire companies in Seat Pleasant, Crofton, Kent Island, and United Communities, with leadership roles in these too.
John is survived by Evelyn Kirby, wife of 57 years; daughter Ann Kirby of Winter Park, FL; daughter Laura Kirby Ferraro (husband Dennis), granddaughter Kirby Elizabeth Ferraro of Oviedo, FL; brothers William Kirby (wife Zena) of Hughesville, MD and Patrick Kirby (wife Eileen) of Conway, SC; brother-in-law Gordon Piscacek of Chester, MD. He was predeceased by twin Clifford Kirby, brother Thomas Kirby, sister Hilda Kirby Silversmith, parents Clifford and Marie Kirby Lickers and stepfather Elmer Lickers.
