Active 5 years, 6 months ago
1948 - 2024
John L. Kolaya
John L. Kolaya passed away on April 24, 2024, in New Jersey. He was 76 years old.
Although John was a NAC member for only a few years, he epitomized everything that NAC looks for in a nominee: exceptional leader; passionate industry advocate; change agent; mentor, and visionary. John was elected to NAC for being a “Dedicated and energetic leader, with exceptional work in mentoring young people and guiding numerous professional industry organizations”. John had an extremely impressive 45-year construction industry career, making numerous contributions to iconic projects and a host of prominent Industry organizations and charities.
John received his BS in Civil Engineering from Bucknell University and a MS in Geotechnical Engineering from Rutgers, while he worked full time for Thomas Crimmins Contracting (TCC). In 1987, Yonkers Contracting acquired TCC and John proceeded to the ranks of Executive Vice President, and then rising to President & COO. John’s geotechnical expertise in deep foundations can be found in many notable NYC projects including: Trump Tower; 60 Wall Street; the I-495 Queens midtown Viaduct, for which he received the ENR Medal of Excellence; the pile foundation for the original 7 World Trade Center; the recovery and cleanup efforts at Ground Zero; the Executive oversight of the WTC PATH restoration project; reconstruction of the Manhattan Bridge, and worked on the Williamsburg, Brooklyn and Triboro Bridges, Penn Station and Grand Central Station.
In 1983, John was inducted into The Moles, the most prestigious heavy construction organization in the world. He was an extremely passionate Mole member who was a champion of Moles Student’s Day, was the Moles Charitable Fund liaison to Bucknell University, and was a generous donor to the Moles Charitable Fund. John was President of The Moles and served as its 75th Anniversary Chair. In 2014, John was recognized for his contributions to the Heavy Construction Industry and received the prestigious Moles Member Award. He was inducted into NAC in 2018.
John was a Bucknell Chapter Chi Epsilon Engineering Honor Society member, a frequent lecturer at Bucknell University and Manhattan College, and a mentor in the ACE Mentor Program where he initiated and maintained a Team with Yonkers Contracting and Manhattan College. John was a champion of diversity and helped develop programs to certify minority and women-owned businesses. He was a licensed Professional Engineer in New York and New Jersey and received the Bonhag Award for Professional Engineers in construction in New Jersey.
John's impact extended far beyond his professional achievements. He served as a Board Member at the Plainfield Health Center and past Chairman of the Board of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center. His leadership and compassion left an indelible mark on the lives of those he served. His tenure as Secretary of the JFK Health System Advisory Board, where he oversaw the design and construction of state-of-the-art medical facilities, further solidified his legacy as a champion of healthcare innovation and accessibility. John was very active in the NAC Scholarship program from the beginning, providing great input and support.
In 2011, John faced his biggest life challenge when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Like every challenge John encountered, he became a beacon of strength and resilience and was a tireless advocate for Parkinson's research and support initiatives. His involvement with The Parkinson's Foundation, including his role as co-chair of Moving Day New Jersey and his appointment to the Foundation's Advisory Board, exemplified his unwavering commitment to finding a cure and improving the lives of those affected by the disease. Once diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, John directed his energy to becoming an advocate for improving the lives of those similarly afflicted, working tirelessly with the Parkinson’s Foundation to find a cure.
John approached life with optimism, humor, and adventure. A longtime resident of Plainfield, John spent his later years on the beach and kayaking on Barnegat Bay from his home in Silver Beach on the Jersey Shore. His love for his family and friends brought incredible warmth and closeness to his life and was a testament to the deep bonds he fostered. John is predeceased by his loving wife, Margaret (Meg) Boutwell, survived by his two children, Lauren and Timothy, his two granddaughters, Alexandra and Sienna, and his loving and devoted companion, Nancy Hooper.
John's spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched, and leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and steadfast determination. John was an industry giant who left an incredible mark on the heavy construction industry, and on the countless friends and colleagues he amassed throughout the years.
― Christine Keville and Milo Riverso, 2024
Although John was a NAC member for only a few years, he epitomized everything that NAC looks for in a nominee: exceptional leader; passionate industry advocate; change agent; mentor, and visionary. John was elected to NAC for being a “Dedicated and energetic leader, with exceptional work in mentoring young people and guiding numerous professional industry organizations”. John had an extremely impressive 45-year construction industry career, making numerous contributions to iconic projects and a host of prominent Industry organizations and charities.
John received his BS in Civil Engineering from Bucknell University and a MS in Geotechnical Engineering from Rutgers, while he worked full time for Thomas Crimmins Contracting (TCC). In 1987, Yonkers Contracting acquired TCC and John proceeded to the ranks of Executive Vice President, and then rising to President & COO. John’s geotechnical expertise in deep foundations can be found in many notable NYC projects including: Trump Tower; 60 Wall Street; the I-495 Queens midtown Viaduct, for which he received the ENR Medal of Excellence; the pile foundation for the original 7 World Trade Center; the recovery and cleanup efforts at Ground Zero; the Executive oversight of the WTC PATH restoration project; reconstruction of the Manhattan Bridge, and worked on the Williamsburg, Brooklyn and Triboro Bridges, Penn Station and Grand Central Station.
In 1983, John was inducted into The Moles, the most prestigious heavy construction organization in the world. He was an extremely passionate Mole member who was a champion of Moles Student’s Day, was the Moles Charitable Fund liaison to Bucknell University, and was a generous donor to the Moles Charitable Fund. John was President of The Moles and served as its 75th Anniversary Chair. In 2014, John was recognized for his contributions to the Heavy Construction Industry and received the prestigious Moles Member Award. He was inducted into NAC in 2018.
John was a Bucknell Chapter Chi Epsilon Engineering Honor Society member, a frequent lecturer at Bucknell University and Manhattan College, and a mentor in the ACE Mentor Program where he initiated and maintained a Team with Yonkers Contracting and Manhattan College. John was a champion of diversity and helped develop programs to certify minority and women-owned businesses. He was a licensed Professional Engineer in New York and New Jersey and received the Bonhag Award for Professional Engineers in construction in New Jersey.
John's impact extended far beyond his professional achievements. He served as a Board Member at the Plainfield Health Center and past Chairman of the Board of Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center. His leadership and compassion left an indelible mark on the lives of those he served. His tenure as Secretary of the JFK Health System Advisory Board, where he oversaw the design and construction of state-of-the-art medical facilities, further solidified his legacy as a champion of healthcare innovation and accessibility. John was very active in the NAC Scholarship program from the beginning, providing great input and support.
In 2011, John faced his biggest life challenge when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Like every challenge John encountered, he became a beacon of strength and resilience and was a tireless advocate for Parkinson's research and support initiatives. His involvement with The Parkinson's Foundation, including his role as co-chair of Moving Day New Jersey and his appointment to the Foundation's Advisory Board, exemplified his unwavering commitment to finding a cure and improving the lives of those affected by the disease. Once diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, John directed his energy to becoming an advocate for improving the lives of those similarly afflicted, working tirelessly with the Parkinson’s Foundation to find a cure.
John approached life with optimism, humor, and adventure. A longtime resident of Plainfield, John spent his later years on the beach and kayaking on Barnegat Bay from his home in Silver Beach on the Jersey Shore. His love for his family and friends brought incredible warmth and closeness to his life and was a testament to the deep bonds he fostered. John is predeceased by his loving wife, Margaret (Meg) Boutwell, survived by his two children, Lauren and Timothy, his two granddaughters, Alexandra and Sienna, and his loving and devoted companion, Nancy Hooper.
John's spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched, and leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and steadfast determination. John was an industry giant who left an incredible mark on the heavy construction industry, and on the countless friends and colleagues he amassed throughout the years.
― Christine Keville and Milo Riverso, 2024
Website Design built by Austinite Web Design