John M. Chilbert, 68, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
He was born in Neubrücke U.S. Army Hospital, Munich, Germany, and was the youngest child of Dominic and Virginia (Vogt) Chilbert. John received a degree in Industrial Engineering Technology in 1979 from the University of Dayton. He began working in Newport News Shipbuilding’s Facilities Division in 1980. He was a cornerstone of Facilities, dedicating his entire 45-year career to the division.
Far beyond his technical skills, he was a mentor, a trusted resource and true example of someone dedicated to his work and the Shipyard. John was working in the Facilities Project Management Office at the time of his passing.
Whether at work or in his personal life, John faced every challenge with a quiet strength that inspired everyone around him. He loved fiercely, protected the people he cared about, and never hesitated to show up when someone needed him. He was the kind of man whose presence made a room feel safer, whose laughter and smile could make a hard day better, and whose love for his family was evident in everything he did.
While many knew John as a devoted Beatles fan and an enthusiastic collector of Disney-Pixar Cars memorabilia, those closest to him knew there was so much more to the man they loved. He was an accomplished accordion player, a talent he rarely shared except with a fortunate few. He loved John Wayne westerns, enjoyed building model cars, and never passed up an opportunity to tell a story, especially one that began with, “It was a dark and stormy night…” Music was a constant part of his life, and family gatherings were often filled with laughter, songs, and memories that John helped create.
Of all the roles John held throughout his life, none brought him greater joy than being a grandfather. His first grandson, Joshua Ryan, held an especially special place in his heart. From the day Joshua was born, John took great pride in helping raise, teach, and guide him. Some of their most cherished moments were the simplest ones—sitting together on the couch each morning watching cartoons before the day began. Every holiday found Joshua right beside his grandfather in the kitchen as his trusted cooking sidekick, learning recipes, sharing stories, and creating memories that will be treasured forever. John was incredibly proud of the young man Joshua was becoming, and the bond they shared was one built on love, patience, laughter, and countless moments together. John’s love for his grandsons, Blake and Neiman, was equally deep and unwavering. One of his favorite traditions was gathering them on the couch, wrapped together under warm blankets, reading storybooks and sharing quiet moments filled with imagination, laughter, and love. Those simple evenings became treasured memories, reflecting the gentle, patient, and devoted grandfather John was to all three of his grandsons.
John had a gift for turning ordinary days into celebrations. In fact, of all the holidays throughout the year, Groundhog Day may have been his favorite. Long before most people gave the day a second thought, John had transformed it into a beloved tradition. Each year, coworkers eagerly looked forward to the special Groundhog Day cookies he made based on whether Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow. It was one of the many ways John shared his humor, creativity, and enthusiasm with those around him. Whether celebrating a major holiday, singing “On Top of Spaghetti,” telling stories, or simply spending time with those he loved, John had a remarkable ability to make people smile and make every moment feel special.
At a company bowling outing in 1992, John met his forever love, best friend, and soulmate, Kellie Hennegan. They married in 1995 and built a life filled with love, laughter, faith, and family. Together they raised their family and created countless memories that will be cherished forever. Their children and grandchildren were blessed with every lesson, every laugh, every story, every song, every holiday tradition, every warm hug, and every moment spent in John’s presence. The love John and Kellie shared was extraordinary and served as an example to all who knew them.
John is survived by his wife, Kellie; his daughters, Lisa (Brett) Chodorov and Shannon (Marcus) Washington; his grandsons, Joshua, Blake, and Neiman; five siblings: Mary Ann Accorinti, David (Teresa) Chilbert, Stephen (Bonnie) Chilbert, June (Ron) Cochran, and Joan Chilbert as well as many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who love him dearly and will miss him profoundly.
The family finds comfort in knowing that John was welcomed into Heaven by his beloved grandson, Ryan Washington. Though their time apart on Earth felt far too long, there is peace in imagining their joyful reunion, together again in God’s eternal love and grace.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026 at Weymouth Funeral Home, 12746 Nettles Drive, Newport News, VA 23606. A Funeral Mass will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 116 Denbigh Blvd, Newport News, VA 23608. Interment will take place on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at St. Jude Catholic Church in Mineral, Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
