The FBA and its members remember the friends of the association who may be gone, but not forgotten.  We value their service to the community through their work toward justice and hope that this may serve as a tribute to them.

In Memoriam Archives: 

2024

Nicholas A. Balland, Esq. 

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Nicholas Andrew Balland, on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the age of 73. A devoted husband, loving father, doting grandfather, and respected attorney. Nicholas was known for his unwavering commitment to family, work, and the church. Born on June 30, 1951, in Springfield, MA to Paul and Katherine Balland, Nicholas graduated from George Washington University with a bachelor's degree in political science and received his juris doctor degree from George Mason Law School (formerly known as the International School of Law). Nicholas was known for his strong work ethic and larger than life personality. He was passionate about Yankees baseball and playing golf, and he enjoyed fine dining and spending time with his family. Nicholas is survived by his wife, Katina; children Andrew, Nerissa (Michael); and grandchildren Eli and Teddy. He is preceded in death by his son, Paul.

Edward V. O'Connor Jr., Esq.

Edward V. O’Connor, Jr., Esq. passed away October 15, 2024. He is survived by his wife Kathy, a stepdaughter, and three grandchildren. Ed was born on November 9, 1952 in Yokosuka, Japan, where his navy officer father was stationed. A graduate of Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Ed excelled as a competitive swimmer. He went to Duke University (1975), followed by law school at New York University (1981). Ed was admitted to practice in both Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Ed was an avid sports fan, with an almost encyclopedic knowledge of many, particularly baseball and football. Along with several other colleagues, Ed maintained the holding of excellent seats at Nationals Park. The annual “seat lottery” at his office became a highly anticipated event.

His law practice focused on family law, including many complex trial and appellate cases. Ed was initially a partner in the former Lewis, Dack firm in the District of Columbia, before moving to the former firm of Byrd, Mische, Bevis, Bowen, and O’Connor before forming his own office in 2003. For over twenty years he served as a Substitute Judge in the District Court, and received numerous recognitions for his service to the profession and community. These include the Arnold B. Kassabian Award, the James Keith Public Service Award, and as Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year from The Fairfax Bar Association. Ed also served on the Fifth District Disciplinary Committee, Board of Directors of Legal Services of Northern Virginia, and Bar Council. He was named in Super Lawyers and had an AV rating in Martindale Hubble.

The Honorable J Howe Brown

James Howe Brown, Jr., 85, of Fairfax, VA, died Sept. 7, 2024.

Howe is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret; their children, Daniel (Danielle) Brown, Andrew (Julie) Brown, Sarah Brown, and Lucy (Cameron) Jordan; and his beloved grandchildren Chase (Madison), Cole, and Maryn Brown, Thomas and Benjamin Brown, and Carter and Caelyn Jordan.

Growing up in Alexandria, he was a 1956 graduate of George Washington High School. He graduated in 1960 from Washington & Lee University, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. In 1965, he graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law.

After practicing law for many years in northern Virginia, Howe served as a Fairfax County Circuit Court judge. Upon retirement, he continued to serve as a substitute judge until Dec. 2023.

Throughout his life, Howe participated in community service through his churches, schools, and various organizations, including Kiwanis and the Northern Virginia Family Service.

Charles F. "Bunky" Geschickter, Esq. 

Charles F. Geschickter, Jr., affectionately known to all as “Bunky,” age 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 19, 2024, in Charlotte, NC.

His celebration of life service will be at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, October 9th, at Expectation Church located at 11924 Braddock Rd in Fairfax, VA 22030.

His final resting place will be in Fairfax Memorial Park at 9900 Braddock Rd in Fairfax, VA 22032.

Bunky was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in northern Virginia. He attended high school at The Hill School in Pottstown, PA, and completed his undergraduate studies at Wesleyan College in Middletown, Conn, where he was soccer team captain. He served in the Army before attending George Washington University Law School. He was a longtime partner at the Brault, Geschickter, Palmer, and Grove Law Firm before joining the firm of Miller, Miller Kearney, and Geschickter in Fairfax, VA. He was a substitute judge for the General District Court and Juvenile Court. He was president of the Fairfax County Bar Association from 1982-1983.

He was married to Diana Vaughan for 17 years and raised three boys in Lorton, VA. He was remarried to Patricia Rhoades and lived in Centerville, VA.

Bunky is preceded in death by his father and mother, Dr. Charles F. and Mildred Clarke Geschickter, and his siblings Ned and Jackie Geschickter and Diana and Patricia Geschickter. He is survived by his three sons, Tad (and wife Jodi), Chris (and wife Joanne), and Bear (and wife Tracy), as well as by Patricia’s daughters, Debbie Giordano (and husband Andy) and Dana Ramsey (and husband Ronnie). He was a loving grandfather to Ryan and Lindsay Geschickter (Chris and Joanne’s children), Katie and Garrett Geschickter (Bear and Tracy’s children), as well as Tyler, Jordan, and R.J. Ramsey and Joey and Bradley Giordano. He also is survived by seven great-grandchildren.

Bunky loved working with young people and enjoyed coaching his three boys in their early years. Later, he cheered them on as they played for St. Stephen’s/St. Agnes High School and the College of William and Mary baseball team. He often served as interim youth pastor at several of the churches he attended through the years. His compassionate, encouraging, and joyful disposition had a profound impact on many of the youths he had the pleasure of serving.

He was an avid sailor and NASCAR fan and loved everything related to sports and the outdoors. Bunky was always quick to lend a hand to those in need, had a huge laugh, loved people, and never met a stranger.

William D. Dolan III, Esq.

On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, Virginia trial attorney William David Dolan, III passed away in Arlington, VA after a brief illness.
Bill was born on November 20, 1943 in Washington, DC, the son of Dr. William D. Dolan, Jr. and Christine Shea Dolan. He graduated from Marquette University and The Catholic University School of Law in 1972, and began the private practice of law, which he continued until the time of his passing.

He is survived by two children with his former wife, Josephine E. Dolan—his daughter, Kathleen and his son, Tom (Maryellen); and four grandchildren—Hannah, Nora, Fitzgerald, and Connor. In addition, his sister, Mary Anne and brother, John (Carol), and nephew Jack. Until his death, he lived happily in Falls Church with his loving partner Jean Statler, who was his golf mate and constant travel companion for many years.

Bill was devoted to his faith, his community, and his work. But his deepest daily commitment was to his family. For his children, he was a mentor and best friend. For his grandchildren, the ever-present "Pop." For all, he was a constant source of laughter.
Bill was a giant in the legal community and his impact on the legal profession was both immediate and long-lasting. He was often referred to as "the lawyer's lawyer." He defended law firms and lawyers, while leading the way to higher standards and promoting continuing education. Bill's trailblazing contributions to the legal profession, and his complete commitment to public service, included serving as President of the Virginia State Bar, establishing the "Lawyers Helping Lawyers Program," the standing Committee on Women and Minorities in the legal system, the Virginia State Bar's mandatory Professionalism Course for new Virginia lawyers, and the Virginia mandatory Continuing Legal Education system. Bill was also a member of the Advisory Committee on the Rules of the Court of the Virginia Supreme Court.

As one fellow Burning Tree Club member observed upon Bill's passing: "Best trial lawyer in the world; judges revered him; juries believed him. A one of a kind."

Judge Barbara Keenan, Senior Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit said in summary: "Because of what he did for women and minorities, as far as I'm concerned, he was the most impactful lawyer in Virginia in my lifetime."
Most proudly, Bill was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers—his long membership in that esteemed group speaks to the respect he earned for both his legal skills and his numerous selfless contributions to the profession.

Bill Dolan's devotion to public service was legendary. He proudly served as a member and Chairman of the Virginia State Board of Community Colleges, the Arlington Community Foundation, the Arlington County Consumer Protection Commission, and the Governor's Commission on the University of the 21st Century. He was a member of the the Arlington County Emergency Medical Services Council, a Director of Arlington Hospital (now Virginia Hospital Center), and an Adjunct Associate Professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine.

Bill was twice the Democratic nominee for Virginia Attorney General and served in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy.
Perhaps the most immediate and long-lasting impact of Bill Dolan's many endeavors, was through the example he set every day. He conducted himself with total professionalism, unwavering civility, and tenacious representation of his clients. Along his journey, he functioned with humility, grace, and a commitment to treating all persons with respect. Always with kindness and a twinkle in his eye.

James D. Young, Esq.

James D. Young was born in Lola, Kansas on March 18th, 1940, to Mary T. Young and Dudley E. Young. He went to be with the Lord on March 22nd, 2024. Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary W. Young.

He grew up in Fairfax, Va. and graduated from the University of Chicago, and earned his Law degree at The American University. He was proud to call Fairfax his home where he enjoyed practicing Law for over 30 years.

He is survived by three siblings Marinelle, Anne and Lawrence, two children: Suzanne Samuels and Paul Young, and 8 grandchildren: Henry Samuels, Rebecca Samuels, Thomas Samuels, Mary Khristyne New, Kathryne Elizabeth Marks, Nicholas Young, Daniel Young and Joseph Young.



Jim worshipped as a member of Truro Church in Fairfax City where his funeral will be held on April 19th at 10:00 a.m. The gift of flowers is welcomed, or donations may be given in his name to Truro Anglican Church.

Bernard J. "Ben" DiMuro, Esq.

It is with the greatest sadness that we share the news of Ben’s passing.

For over thirty years, Ben was the managing partner of DiMuroGinsberg. He was a much loved and highly respected member of the legal community, who was known for his sharp wit and his extraordinary skills as a litigator by his clients, his adversaries, and the judges before whom he appeared.

Ben gave unselfishly of his time in service to the Bar. He served as its president and on its governing council for 11 years. Ben also chaired the State Bar Disciplinary Board among the many other influential committees and boards on which he served.

He was sought out for his expertise in legal ethics both as an expert witness and lecturer throughout the State. Ben was also one of the original founders of Lawyers Helping Lawyers and for many years, was an active fund raiser for the Special Olympics.

Ben was an Inaugural Member of Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame, a Leader in the Law, a Fellow of the American Bar Association, The Litigation Counsel of America, and The Virginia Law Foundation. He has been listed as a “Best Lawyer” in commercial litigation since 2012 by The Best Lawyers of America and has been named a Legal Elite in civil litigation by Virginia Business Magazine.

Ben was a strong leader and a lover of the law. His depth of knowledge and experience will be missed by the many people who knew and loved him. Although once referred to as “rude and abrupt” by a local Journal, he was one of the kindest, funniest and nicest people you will have ever met.

Dexter Stetson Odin, Esq.

Dexter Stetson Odin passed away at his Great Falls home Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at the age of 89, surrounded by his family.

Dexter was born August 24, 1934 to Bernice "Sammy" and Janie Odin in Southport, North Carolina. To his family, friends, and older brother, Bill, he was fondly known as "Buddy." His father's Coast Guard assignment brought the family to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where he completed high school, spending his summers in the Merchant Marines on the Great Lakes. After high school he enrolled in the University of Florida, earning a degree in Industrial Relations and serving active duty in the Air Force from 1956 to 1957. He then moved to Washington, DC to study law at George Washington University, where he met his wife, Paula Brown. He proposed to her on the steps of the Capitol Building, and they were married in August of 1958.

After briefly working in private practice, Dexter served as the first ever Fairfax County Attorney from 1967 to 1969. There, he hired David Feldman as assistant county attorney, and both Dexter and David left the county attorney's office in 1968 to work in private practice. In 1973, Jimmy Pittleman joined the firm to lead their Corporate, Tax and Finance practice, and in 1976, the firm officially became Odin Feldman Pittleman. During his time at the firm, Dexter began his role as attorney for the town of Herndon, where he served until 1991. Today, the firm has grown to nearly 50 attorneys and has tried a vast number of cases in criminal defense, litigation, corporate law, real estate and land use, and tax law. Having practiced law for over 50 years, he was named Lawyer of the Year in municipal law by "The Best Lawyers in America" in 2012, 2015, and 2021, and was inducted last year into the Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame.

His childhood in the Outer Banks created in Dexter a lifelong love of seafaring. He owned and co-owned three sailboats, Trilogy, The Balmoral, and The Force Majeure, which carried him on countless sailing adventures around the world, from braving the 50-foot waves around Cape Horn to serving as crew on a tall ship across the Atlantic. Not limited to the waves, his wanderlust continued on land with too many hiking trips to mention, notably an expedition up Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania shortly before his 80th birthday. His sense of adventure was unmatched, and he delighted in sharing his travels with family and friends.

Dexter is survived by his wife, Paula, his children, Eric and Amy, and four grandchildren, Corey, Leah, Rebecca, and Scarlett. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Alice, and his brother, Bill.

A sharp intellect, an even sharper wit, and a heart full of kindness that grew even larger through his lifetime, Dexter would ask that you join his family to celebrate the close of his adventures, with a few tears perhaps, but absolutely as much laughter (and rum) as legally allowed.

Eric Franklin Schell, Esq.

Eric Franklin Schell, 62, of Oakton VA, passed away on Friday, January 26, surrounded by his family. A life-long trial attorney and devoted husband, father, son, brother, and grandfather, Eric will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to helping others, his good humor, and his decency in abundance.

Eric was born on February 21, 1961, in Charlotte NC. He lived most of his life enjoying the trees, stars, and tranquility of his Oakton home that he shared with Beth, his beloved wife of forty-four years, more commonly referred to as “Sweet Beth,” and their three boys. Second only to his profound love of family was his love for his dog, “Sophie girl,” and his passion for fishing on and off the coast of NC with his handpicked band of brothers.

After Eric received his Bachelor of Arts at Wake Forest University in 1985, he earned his Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1988. After being admitted to the Virginia State Bar in 1988, Eric began his legal career at The Duff Law Firm where he laid the foundation for his career as a litigator. Several years later, Eric embarked as a sole practitioner, determined to narrow his focus to the most important priorities in life: Sweet Beth, his growing family, and the practice of law.

As a sole practitioner, Eric cultivated a diverse civil litigation practice with a specialty in Commercial Leasing and Landlord-Tenant Law, Creditor’s Rights, and Commercial Litigation. Eric was admitted in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in 1988, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in 1989, the U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit in 1988, and the U.S. Supreme Court in 1993. As if Virginia courts were not enough, Eric also found himself representing clients and trying cases in Georgia, New York, Washington D.C., and Maryland.

Outside of his practice, Eric was actively involved with the Bar Association and educational opportunities for aspiring trial attorneys. He served on the 5th District Disciplinary Committee of the Virginia State Bar from 1994-2000, where he held the positions of Secretary and Chairman. From 2000-2004, he served as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Lawyer Discipline (COLD). Eric was also an active member of the Fairfax County Bar Association, where he served as a Fairfax County Circuit Court appointed Neutral Case Evaluator, a Conciliator, a member of the Judicial Screening Committee, and a lecturer at Bench-Bar conferences. Eric always made the education and betterment of young lawyers a priority. He served as a barrister for the George Mason American Inn of Court and served as a faulty member of the National Institutes for Trial Advocacy at Georgetown Law Center.

Eric is survived by his beloved wife Beth and their sons Brandon, Alex, and Evan Schell. Eric is also survived by his mother Sarah Henkel Schell, sisters Martha Purser and Melinda Schell, and was pre-deceased by his father, Franklin Lonnie Schell, who passed in 1981. Eric was completely enamored with his grandchildren Ruby and Aurelia Schell, to whom he was affectionately known as “Pops.” A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00pm on February 11, 2024, at National Funeral Home, located at 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042. Reception to follow.

Perry Simeon Garson, Esq.

Kathleen Anne Kelley, Esq.

Kathleen Anne Kelley, 51, of Falls Church, Virginia, died December 10, 2023, from complications of acute myeloid leukemia. Born July 7, 1972 in California, Kathleen was the only daughter of Ann Dierking Kelly, who predeceased her in 1992, and John Angus Kelly. She is survived by her husband of twenty-nine years, David Griffith Kelley, and her two sons, John Edward Kelley and Andrew Griffith Kelley.

Kathleen grew up primarily in Virginia, where she attended Annandale High School and The University of Virginia. After majoring in History and Middle East Studies, and minoring in Astronomy, she enrolled at Washington and Lee School of Law, where she earned her J.D. cum laude. Following law school, she maintained an active and successful career as a corporate transactional attorney, working in prominent law firms in Delaware and Virginia, where she developed a reputation for her leadership and service. She was particularly known for her brilliance and pragmatism as well as her are for clients and colleagues. Kathleen was an eager mentor, not only teaching and publishing about legal matters, but also never failing to offer encouragement and advice to others. Though she won numerous awards and honors, she always focused her attention on her community, serving on numerous boards, and tirelessly advocating for her clients.

In her personal life, she married her high school sweetheart, David, just after college, and later had two beautiful sons, John and Andrew. She was loving and fiercely devoted to them, along with her extended family and friends. She enjoyed food and wine, and thought of them as an opportunity for adventure, whether experiencing new restaurants or using her substantial knowledge and skill to cook extraordinary dishes at home, and she valued any meal as an opportunity to enjoy time with others. Kathleen was a fine musician, playing piano and French horn, sometimes singing in the church choir, but always keeping music in her life, especially classical and choral music. She was athletic, and enjoyed running and particularly cycling, which allowed her to reduce her carbon footprint, another initiative to which she was committed. Kathleen was also active at her church, volunteering in many worship and outreach ministries, and striving to help and serve others, as was her nature. All who knew her will miss her compassion and her sense of humor, along with all the ways she continually enriched their lives.

Leticia Tan Sevilla, Esq.

Leticia Tan Sevilla, Esq. passed away peacefully at her home on December 17, 2023, at the age of 90. Leticia earned her LLB from the University of the Philippines and her JD and LLM in Tax from Georgetown University Law Center, where she was a trailblazer as the only Asian American in her class. She practiced law in Arlington and Fairfax County for over 45 years, where she was recognized for her expertise in and dedication to the field of tax law, including her significant contributions through pro bono and low bono work for underserved communities.

In death, Leticia joins her husband of over 60 years, Exequiel "Zeke" R. Sevilla, Jr., Esq., and her eldest son, Exequiel "Kelly" R. Sevilla III. She is survived by her two daughters, Maria Christina Sevilla and Sylvia W. Sevilla, her son Eduardo R. Sevilla, eight grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. Known for her substantial intelligence and wisdom, quick wit, delightful sense of humor, and profound love for her family and God, Leticia will be remembered with deep fondness, admiration, and respect.

Laura A. Riddlebarger, Esq.

Laura A. Riddlebarger passed away peacefully on Monday, October 9, 2023 in her home surrounded with love. Laura’s life though short in years was very full. She had so many great friends and she cherished her relationships. Laura was successful at everything she did starting as a young girl. She achieved her goals and had many accomplishments.

Laura’s successes included: Assistant Commonwealth Attorney for Fairfax County from 2010-2020; Law Clerk to the Honorable Leslie M. Alden 2009-2010; Intern for the Office of the Commonwealth Attorney Fairfax County 2008; Law Clerk for the Law Office of Jay B Myerson 2007-2008; Paralegal for Sensei Enterprises, Inc. 2007.

Laura’s Education: Juris Doctorate- George Mason University Law School Summa cum laude - Roanoke College, Salem VA. Valedictorian - Northside High School - Roanoke VA. Laura leaves to cherish her memories and her love Eric Denlinger, her life partner; Carl Riddlebarger, her father; Pat Riddlebarger, her mother and her two beloved cats: Alice aka Pooh and Gryphon aka Gru.

There was never anything too tough for her. She went at everything all out and nonstop. This is a warning to heaven; watch out Laura’s coming, let the debate begin. 

Philip Clark Kattenburg, Esq.

Philip “Clark” Kattenburg, a lifelong resident of northern Virginia, passed away peacefully in his home in Oakton, Virginia, on August 8, 2023 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Clark was born March 29, 1946, in Washington, DC, the oldest of five children born to Paul M. and Mary Louise Clark Kattenburg.  His father was a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State, and Clark spent time in his youth living with his family in Manilla, the Philippines; Frankfurt, Germany and Georgetown, Guyana where his father had assignments.

Clark was a 1964 graduate of James Madison High School in Vienna, Virginia and then enrolled in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 1968. After obtaining his Juris Doctor from George Washington University Law School, he spent a year as a clerk to Paul F. McArdle on the D.C. Superior Court.  Clark first entered private practice as an associate of Mountfort & Furr in Falls Church, Virginia and then went on to form other partnerships over the years in Fairfax, Virginia, focusing on personal injury.

Clark was an avid fan of University of North Carolina basketball and for over 25 years officiated (refereed) high school basketball throughout northern Virginia as an official with Cardinal Basketball Officials Association.

Clark married his wife, Pamela, on January 23, 1971 in Vienna, Virginia, and for over 52 years together, they enjoyed raising their two sons, scuba diving and travel, as well as many Virginia State Bar trips. Clark was heavily involved with his church, Vienna Presbyterian Church where he served as head usher for nearly three decades.

Clark is survived by his wife, Pamela Sue (Lingeman) Kattenburg, of Oakton, two sons, Matthew Clark (Lauren) Kattenburg of Vienna, Christopher Blake Kattenburg of Oakton and two granddaughters, Nola McKenzie Kattenburg and Lily Clark Kattenburg of Vienna.  Clark’s siblings include Richard P. (Candis) Kattenburg, of Martinez, California, a sister Jeanne C. (Robert) Carlton of Monument, Colorado and John and Charles Kattenburg of Columbia, South Carolina and eight nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, who lived in Columbia, SC.

Andrew H. Goodman, Esq.

Andrew "Andy" Harry Goodman of Reston, Virginia passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Reston Hospital Center. A longtime Restonian – one of its pioneers – Andy was born on June 16, 1946 in Norfolk, VA to parents Thomas Robert Goodman and Ruth Legum Goodman, who raised him in nearby Portsmouth. Andy received an A.B. in History from Franklin & Marshall College in 1968 and a J.D. from the University of Virginia in 1971.

As an attorney, he was fiercely committed to his practice and to his clients, and just last year proudly completed 50 years as an active member of the Virginia State Bar. He was also dedicated to community work, having served in the Reston Lions Club since 1975.

Andy enjoyed reading, geography, running errands, and trivia (outcompeting Jeopardy! contestants on a nightly basis). He was a rabid fan of all the Washington area professional sports teams, as well as the sports teams from his two alma maters. A real "mensch," Andy will be remembered and sorely missed for his kindness, quirkiness, reliability, intelligence, and, above all, a quick and witty sense of humor that established instant rapport with literally anyone that he encountered.

Andy is survived by his longtime partner Elizabeth Arons; daughter Elizabeth "Betsy" G. Goodwin and son-in-law Matthew M. Goodwin; son Thomas "Tommy" R. Goodman and daughter-in-law Liudmila Batista; granddaughters Sarah A. Goodwin and Hailey R. Goodwin; and brother Jerrold W. Goodman. Andy is also survived by Estelle Zedd Goodman, the mother of his children. He is preceded in death by his parents as well as his brother Edward J. Goodman.

Andy's impact on the world was unquestionable, and his unique legacy will live on in the hearts of all family members and the many, many friends that loved him so dearly.

William Joseph Virgulak, Jr., Esq.

William J. Virgulak, Jr. (70) of Leland, NC passed away unexpectedly on April 3, 2023. He was enjoying a golf trip in Hilton Head SC, on his way to the Masters Tournament with two of his brothers and his son. He was doing what he loved to do most, golf!

Bill was born on November 21, 1952 in Norwalk, CT.  Bill graduated cum laude from Providence College in 1974 and received his law degree from George Mason Law School in 1977 with a Juris Doctor, Magna cum laude, Phi Sigma Tau. In 1977 he joined the Virginia Bar Association and in 1978 the District of Columbia Bar.  He was a long-time resident of Fairfax, Virginia where he was a Law Partner at Doherty, Sheridan and Grimaldi.  After retiring, he moved to Leland, NC where he spent the last 9 years of his life. He was an active member of TRGA (Traveling Retirees Golf Association) and enjoyed playing golf on average three times per week. He made great friends there and considered Leland his home.

He is survived by his 4 children, William J. Virgulak III, Erika Virgulak, Kelly Kent & Sheri Sheta; as well as  7 grandchildren:and his wife Deborah.

A 9:30 a.m. Mass will be held on May 13th, 2023 at St. Jerome’s Church in Norwalk, CT. A celebration of life and luncheon will follow at The Norwalk Inn from 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association in his name.

Gerald R. Walsh, Esq.

Gerald Richard Walsh died in Richmond, Virginia on February 20, 2023, with his family by his side, following complications from a fall. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Ann E. Walsh.

Gerald was born September 7, 1937 in Dunmore PA to Mary Grady and Gerald Richard Walsh and grew up there with five brothers and sisters. He served as his class president during his last three years at The University of Scranton, where he participated in the work scholarship program – an experience he credited for instilling within him a sense of duty and responsibility. Following graduation, he was admitted into Navy Officer Candidate School and spent three years in active duty on the U.S.S. Northampton.

Following his service, Gerald enrolled in George Washington University Law School and graduated in 1966. While in law school, he served as a Special Agent, Office of Naval Intelligence. He also served on the President's Commission on Crime in Washington, DC from 1965-1966. He was an Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Arlington County from 1967-1969.  He was appointed by the Governor of Virginia to serve as a Substitute Judge in General District Court from 1973-1982.

Gerald maintained a successful law practice in Fairfax for nearly 50 years. His trial skills were matched only by his acumen in the art of appellate advocacy, with 20 reported cases.  He loved to mentor young lawyers and watch their careers prosper.

Gerald was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Catholic church in Clifton, VA where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector and led the yearly Thanksgiving Drive.

Above all, Gerald was a devoted family man and a gentleman.

Survivors include his children Kieran Hahne (Rob), Mary Grady Walsh and Gerald R. Walsh (Jennifer) and his grandchildren, Robert, Maddie, Kyle, Delaney, Braden, Gerald, Wesley and Callan.

While the last years of his life were burdened by the diagnosis of Alzheimer's, he remained steadfastly supportive of his children and grandchildren until the moment of his death.

2022

Robert F. Horan Jr., Esq. 

Robert F. Horan, Jr., died on October 28, 2022, at his home in Clifton, Virginia, with his family by his side.

Robert F. Horan, Jr. was born October 11, 1932, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, to Robert and Margaret Horan. He grew up in New Brunswick, New Jersey, with his two sisters and three brothers. He graduated from Mount St. Mary’s College in 1954 and subsequently joined the Marine Corps. In the Marine Corps, he met his wife, Monica. They were married on October 26, 1957. He then attended Georgetown Law School and graduated in 1961.

After graduating from law school, Robert practiced law in private practice with fellow marine, Richard Dixon. He also spent two years as an assistant prosecutor in the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. He was appointed to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s position in Fairfax County in 1967 when Ralph Louk stepped down. He subsequently won election later in the year and was reelected Commonwealth’s Attorney of Fairfax County until he retired in 2007. At the time he retired, he was the longest serving Commonwealth’s Attorney in the Commonwealth of Virginia. That record was subsequently broken by his good friend and fellow Commonwealth’s Attorney, Paul Ebert.

Robert prosecuted many high profile cases during his 40 years of service to Fairfax County, handling the trials of these matters himself. Among the many prominent cases that he prosecuted were James L. Breeden, who was convicted of killing four people in a walk in refrigerator at Roy Rogers; Mir Aimal Kausi, who was convicted of killing two employees and wounding three others at the CIA; Lee Boyd Malvo, who along with John Mohammad was convicted of killing ten people in northern Virginia, the District and Maryland; and Alfred Prieto, who was convicted of killing two people in Fairfax.

During his long 40 year career serving Fairfax County, he had over 150 assistants in his office. Some of them went on to be judges, both at the state and federal level, as well as Commonwealth’s Attorneys in various jurisdictions.

Robert was an avid golfer and once won a Mercedes Benz for hitting a hole in one in a tournament in which he was competing.

Robert continued in the Marine Corps Reserves and he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1992.

Mr. Horan is survived by his wife, Monica, his sister, Cecelia Keefe and spouse, and his brother, Richard, his three sons and their spouses, Robert, III, and Angela, Kevin and Timothy and Pamela. He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Jennifer, Timothy, and Margaret.

Betsy Sue Scott, Esq. 

Betsy Sue Scott, a long time member of the Fairfax Bar Association, passed away on September 25, 2022, after a brief illness.

Betsy Sue (née Mackta) was born in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in Belle Harbor, NY with parents, Dr. Leo Mackta and Regina Katz Mackta.

She received a B.A. in Political Science and French Literature from Hamilton College in 1972, and her J.D. from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in 1976. She began her law practice in the trust departments of financial institutions, including Manufacturers Hanover in New York and later First Virginia Bank in Northern Virginia.

She entered government service first at the Labor Department where she worked in the regulation of pension fund. She subsequently joined the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), serving as OFAC’s head of the Civil Penalties Division and as a Sanction Advisor, advising many different agencies on the enforcement of economic sanctions.

Admitted to practice law in Virginia, the District of Columbia, New York, and Pennsylvania, she was very active in several bar associations, including the Virginia Women’s Attorney Association of which she served as President.

She volunteered her time with many charitable organizations including Every Citizen Has Opportunities, Inc. (ECHO), the Loudoun Senior Interest Network and the Diocesan Homes Board of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia.

She is survived by her husband of forty-one years, Thomas J. Scott, Jr. of Great Falls, Virginia, as well as a daughter, Elspeth Watts Daley and her husband, Nicholas Daley. both of Madison, Wisconsin, a daughter Marghuerita Taylor Scott of Sparks Glencoe, Maryland and a son Thomas J. Scott, III of Reston, Virginia.

Robert ("Bob") Ray Dively, Esq.

Robert (“Bob”) Ray Dively, 64, a long-time Fairfax County attorney, community activist, and devoted family man, died July 11 at his home in Summerville, S.C. He suffered a sudden, unexplained illness. Mr. Dively was born in Bellwood, PA on March 5, 1958, but his family moved to Springfield, VA when he was six months old. He graduated from Annandale High School (1976) where he served as editor of the high school newspaper, was an Eagle Scout, and an avid Cross-Country runner. Until he retired in 2020, he lived exclusively in Fairfax County, most recently in Clifton.

Mr. Dively attended the University of Virginia from 1976 - 1983, receiving degrees in Political and Social Thought with High Distinction (1980 – Phi Beta Kappa), studying in a directed studies program under Professor Larry Sabato and in law (Juris Doctor 1983). He served as Law School representative for the UVA Honor System (1982 - 1983) and President of the Jefferson Literary and Debating Society (Spring 1981). At UVA, Mr. Dively displayed his life-long love of reading and intellectual discourse, especially philosophy, history, religion and political thought, always wielding wit, wisdom, and good nature notwithstanding, and in fact welcoming, friends with alternative views.

Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Dively joined his father, Robert Roy Dively, at Dively & Thompson in Tysons Corner practicing real estate, family and trusts and estates law until being appointed in 1999 an Assistant Attorney General for Virginia by then Attorney General Mark Earley. Upon departing the Virginia Attorney General’s office in late 2000, Mr. Dively served for six years on the Fairfax County Board of Zoning and until retirement practiced eminent domain law, including proudly representing the Virginia Department of Transportation. Throughout his years as a lawyer, Mr. Dively was actively involved in the Fairfax County community, serving three terms on the Fairfax County Bond Committee, two terms on the Superintendent’s Community Advisory Committee, as Coordinator of the Sully Community Coalition, and was appointed by Governor Gilmore to serve on the State Executive Council for At-Risk Youth and families. For his many community services to the Sully District Community, the Fairfax Board of Supervisors named him “Lord Fairfax” in 2001.

Above all, Mr. Dively lived life to its fullest, always devoted to his family. He was happily married to Kathy Dively (nėe Derdevanis) for 36 years with whom he shared travel adventures, abundant and constant laughs, and several wonderful rescue dogs. He ran marathons starting at age 39. He enjoyed being a Scout Leader for Troop 577 (Clifton, VA). In addition to his wife, Mr. Dively is survived by four children – Kristy Bahr (Steve) of Centreville, VA, Jackie Dively Brown Ulloa (Cesar) of Centreville, VA, Rob Dively (Roxana) of Woodbridge, VA, and Tommy Dively of Los Angeles and five grandchildren – Ava, Carter, Elijah, Isabella and Jade. He is also survived by his sister Elizabeth Lauro (Lino) of Los Angeles and his nieces, Sofia and Olivia. Mr. Dively was predeceased by his father and mother, Bob and Mona (nėe Maurer) Dively.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations, if any, be made to Lakeside Animal Rescue, c/o Robin Nichols and Shannon Jones, P.O. Box 571, Holly Hill, S.C. 29059 or to the animal rescue organization of your choosing.

Charles James Swedish, Esq.

Charles James Swedish, 63, of Vienna, Va., died on March 6, of respiratory failure at Fairfax Inova Hospital. He passed to the heavenly realm with his loving wife, Julia, by his side. Survivors include his three sons, Alexander and Nicholas Swedish, university students in Bucharest, Romania, and Andrew Vergara, of Northern Virginia. He is also survived by his mother, Elaine Swedish-Rimmer, of Medford, NY; and brothers and sister: Gregory and his wife, Ann, of Rocky Point, NY; Christopher and his wife, Miriama, of Seattle; and sister Kristen Swedish Reilly and her husband Steve, of Plandome, NY. He is predeceased by his father, Charles P. Swedish. “Chuck, ” as he was known to family and friends, practiced private law in Northern Virginia for more than 30 years. He was a graduate of George Mason School of Law and an honors philosophy graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University. He was an infinitely curious person, happy learning and discussing politics, history, philosophy, and all things that contributed to a more just society. He was proud of his sons and reveled in their academic, creative, and athletic accomplishments – and most of all, that they strived to be good, decent humans. He traveled to Romania, his wife’s homeland, and Sri Lanka, to spend precious time with his family. He loved all three sons and appreciated their unique talents. He read widely about philosophy and politics. Justice and democracy were his guiding lights, along with a deep connection to his Catholic faith and Lithuanian heritage.

Gilbert K. Davis, Esq.

Gilbert K. Davis, 79, a Northern Virginia general practice lawyer, passed peacefully on Sunday, February 13, 2022, in Fairfax, Virginia, after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Gilbert was born October 2, 1942, in Waterloo, IA, the son of Dr. Dwight M. and Alice Fredrickson Davis. He attended school in Moline, Illinois, where his father was superintendent of schools and his mother was a schoolteacher. Gil graduated from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa. He taught school in Iowa City, Iowa, and coached basketball.

Gilbert commenced his law career after graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1969 when he was appointed by the Attorney General of the United States as an Assistant US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. He prosecuted the panoply of federal crimes which included several “firsts.” These included the first aircraft hijacking in America; the first case under the Clean Air Act; the first case under the 1968 Gun Control Act; and the first Director of the United States Marshall Service who was the first high Nixon official to be imprisoned. Mr. Davis authored the Criminal Procedure Manual for the Eastern District of Virginia. He successfully tried cases in twenty states and the District of Columbia.

In 1973, Mr. Davis started private practice in the law firm of Duvall, Tate, Bywater, and Davis. He filed a case against Bethlehem Steel Corporation on behalf of a Kentucky mountaineer who claimed ownership of the coal under his land. The litigation started when the mountaineer brandished a gun which worked to cause the survey team to skedaddle. At that time, taking the law into their own hands was a way of life. This was in Pike County where the Hatfields and McCoys had their feud. Indeed, a deputy sheriff threatened Mr. Davis to leave Pikeville, twenty-one years later, in 1995, when the litigation was concluded. Nevertheless, the local citizens have continued to receive Mr. Davis as a hero. The judgment was the largest unliquidated damage award in Kentucky history.

In the first lawsuit against a sitting President in United States history, Mr. Davis’s client, Paula Corbin Jones, sued the president for unwanted sexual conduct. Monica Lewinsky became known in Mrs. Jones’s deposition of the President. This led to the president’s impeachment for perjury. The President appealed to the US Supreme Court that he was immune from private lawsuits while serving as president. The Court disagreed with President Clinton, agreeing instead with Mr. Davis’s argument that no man, including a sitting president is above the law and in a unanimous 9 – 0 decision ruled that Mr. Clinton must submit to the immediate litigation process. During these oral arguments, Mr. Davis was warned that jokes were not permitted; nevertheless, his quick wit and vivacity had the justices laughing.

He was Chairman of both the University of Virginia and Virginia Young Republican Clubs. Mr. Davis served as Parliamentarian of the Ronald Reagan White House Conference on Small Business. Gil was a longtime member of the Fairfax County Republican Committee and served leadership roles for federal and state Republican candidates for public office. He also served as General Counsel and as Parliamentarian for the 11th Congressional District Republican Committee. Gil was a member of the Rotary Club of Bailey’s Crossroads.

Gilbert has one sibling Trevor (Linda) Davis, a retired Methodist minister in Burlington, Iowa. Gil married his high school sweetheart, Pamela Saunders Schofield in 1964. They have two daughters, Luanne (Lat) Inn and Heidi Solis, both of Centreville, VA. Luanne and Heidi are both elementary school teachers in Fairfax County, Virginia. Gilbert was blessed with seven grandchildren who he absolutely adored: Rivanna Morgan; Alicia, Andre, Ari, and Maryah Solis; Juliette and Rosalie Inn. Gil and Pam separated in 1995 but shared many happy memories together as a family. Gilbert never remarried. He was preceded in death by both of his parents. Gilbert was a Christian man of great faith. Though Alzheimer’s robbed him of many things, it never robbed Gilbert of his great sense of humor, wit, charm, kindness to others, the joy of music, the love of his children and grandchildren, and his trust and faith in Our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Gilbert’s family would like to thank all the staff of Manorcare Heath Care Services - Fair Oaks who loved and cared for him the last years of his life, especially through the twenty months of the pandemic lockdown. He was treated with love, respect, and great care. We are forever grateful.

Jonathan Y. Short, Esq.

Jonathan Y. Short A longtime resident of northern Virginia, died in Raleigh, NC, on February 3, 2022 after a courageous battle with pneumonia. Jonathan was born in Williamsburg, VA on March 25, 1960 to Catherine (Cathy) Yates Short and the late James R. Short. His father worked for Colonial Williamsburg, and Jonathan experienced an idyllic childhood growing up in one of the few remaining original 18th century houses, playing football on the Palace Green, and taking harpsicord lessons in front of the tourists. He was Student Council President at Lafayette High School, and was frequently the lead in the drama department's musical productions, with one of his more memorable roles being Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady.

After graduating from high school Jonathan attended Duke University where he pledged the Kappa Sigma fraternity, and managed the lacrosse team. He graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Political Science, and then obtained his Juris Doctor from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. After passing the Virginia Bar, Jonathan opened a law practice in Alexandria, VA where he specialized in criminal defense. He believed that people accused of crimes deserved not just a defense, but a zealous and energetic advocate. Throughout his 30- year career, Jonathan practiced law relentlessly as a court appointed attorney for courts in Alexandra, Arlington County, Prince William County, and Fairfax County.

Jonathan enjoyed Duke basketball, a good game of poker, and fine bourbon, but his passion was music. He began singing in The Men and Boys Choir at Bruton Parish Episcopal Church in Williamsburg at a young age, and also sang with the Williamsburg Baptist Church Choir. While at Duke he was a member of the Chapel Choir. After moving to the Washington Metropolitan area Jonathan began performing with the Oratorio Society of Washington, which later became The Washington Chorus, and toured with them in France in July 2004. He also sang with the City Choir of Washington, and performed with them during a tour of England in July 2018. In addition, Jonathan was a long time member of the University Baptist Church Choir in College Park, MD.

On January 14, 1995 Jonathan married the former Anne Bracket at Williamsburg Baptist Church. They enjoyed 27 years of travel, adventure, competing with each other in Jeopardy, and involvement in various groups at University Baptist Church. They moved to Raleigh, NC in August 2020. Jonathan was preceded in death by his father, and a niece Virginia Short. He is survived by his wife Anne, his mother, Catherine Short of Williamsburg, VA, his brother and sister-in-law, David and Betsy Short of Greensboro, GA, and their daughters Abigail, Shannon and Jennifer. Other survivors consist of in-laws James Bracket of Wichita Falls, TX, Joseph and Dawn Bracket of Lewisville, TX and their children Rebecca and Thomas, Catherine and Brent Hendrickson of Blain, MN, their daughter Julia and son Vanya, Cecilia and Daniel Edington of Wichita, KS, and a host of cousins scattered across the United States and Australia.

As a final act of service and generosity, Jonathan directed his body be donated to the Duke School of Medicine where he will become a Silent Teacher to medical students.

2021

John H. "Jack" Rust, Jr., Esq.

John H. “Jack” Rust, Jr., a/k/a Bepa, passed away peacefully in Fairfax, Virginia on December 30, 2021. His loving wife, Sue, was at his side as she has been for over 50 years.

Jack was born on May 21, 1947, to John H. Rust, Sr., and Jean Johnson in Washington, D.C. A lifelong Fairfax resident, Jack attended Fairfax High School then matriculated to the University of Virginia as an Echols Scholar where he received his B.A. and J.D. At the University of Virginia School of Law, Jack served on the board of editors of the Virginia Law Review and was elected to the Order of the Coif.

While at the University of Virginia, Jack met the love of his life, Susan Byrne Rust. The two were married in 1970 and settled in Fairfax shortly after Jack graduated from law school. Jack joined the family law firm, Rust & Rust. From 1974 to 1978, Jack served as Fairfax city attorney, as had his father several times before.

This tradition of public service continued when, in 1979, Jack was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates where he served until 1982 and then again from 1997 to 2002. In addition to his service in the General Assembly, Jack served terms on the Virginia State Board of Elections and the Virginia Resource Authority. He was also appointed Commissioner of Accounts for the 19th Judicial Circuit of Virginia in February 2006 where he served until 2020.

Over the years, Jack was a mentor to innumerable young lawyers, lobbyists, and lawmakers. In addition to sharing his encyclopedic knowledge of the law, Jack showed that an unwavering work ethic, unquestioned integrity, and unrelenting creativity could solve almost any problem. What is more, he demonstrated the importance of treating people with respect, even when you disagree; educating people, without talking down to them; and knowing when to talk quietly and when to bang your desk.

In between his thriving law practice and busy schedule of public service, Jack also helped found two different community banks. He was the founding chairman of First Patriot Bankshares Corporation and served on its board from 1987 to 1997. He was also the initial chairman of Cardinal Financial Corporation and served on its board from 1997 to 2009, including time as the board's vice-chairman.

What Jack treasured above all was his family. He was the beloved husband of Sue for 51 wonderful years. He was the loving father of J.W. (Danielle), Tom (Caroline), and Bob (Mary Beth); and the proud grandfather of Gracie, Hayden, Ashby, Wyatt, Georgeanne, Brinkley Rose, Huck, and Poppy. A kid at heart, Jack loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. From the basketball court to the fishing boat to the stage; from the Coliseum in Rome to the vast reaches of space (or at least the science fiction section of his library), Jack showed his children and grandchildren the importance of being active in mind, body, and spirit.

Jack was a true gentleman who spent much of his life as the smartest guy in the room, whether that be the courtroom, the boardroom, or family room. He will be remembered by those who knew him well for his quick wit, deep generosity, and warm spirit. His family and friends loved him; he will be deeply missed.

Orval Keith Hallam Jr., Esq.

Orval Keith Hallam Jr., Esq., passed away unexpectedly on October 30, 2021 at his home in Fairfax, Virginia.  Keith was born into a “Navy Family” on November 07, 1949, in Newport News, Virginia, the son of naval captain Orval Keith Hallam Sr. and school teacher Charlotte Ruth Jones.  As a Navy family, Keith moved and lived all over the country including Northern and Southern California, Charleston, South Carolina, New Orleans, Louisiana, Rhode Island and Honolulu, Hawaii.

After Graduating from High School, Keith attended and graduated from Franklin College of Indiana, where he was only one of a few students to graduate with “Distinction” noted on his diploma. Having grown up watching “Perry Mason” Keith’s dream was always to become a lawyer.

After Graduating from College, Keith attended law school at “The International School of Law” in Washington D.C (which merged into Virginia’s George Mason School of Law). Helping to put himself through Law School, Keith worked for several years at various restaurants and bars throughout the Washington, DC area as a waiter, bartender, bouncer, and manager.

During this time, Keith was presented with a once in a lifetime opportunity to move to the Caribbean Island of St. Martin/St. Maarten to design, build, develop and own a Restaurant/Bar in a Marina Complex in the capital town of Philipsburg.

After several years of living and working in the Caribbean, Keith sold his Restaurant/Bar and moved back to the Northern Virginia area. After moving back, Keith Founded and Published an internationally acclaimed travel magazine “Caribbean Travel and Life.” Despite all of this, the dream of being a lawyer never wavered. Keith entered into and completed the Virginia State Bar “Law Reader” program and subsequently passed the Virginia Bar Exam, becoming licensed as a Virginia Lawyer in 1986.

He is survived by his wife Bich Phuong Thi Hoang, his two sons, Orval Keith Hallam, III and Michel Hallam, and his 5 Grandchildren, Olivia Maria Hallam, George Keith Hallam, Julian Nicholas Hallam, Charlene Maria Hallam, and Landon Hamilton Hallam. 

Joyce M. Henry-Schargorodski, Esq.

Joyce M. Henry-Schargorodski, Esq. passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on October 18, 2021 at the age of 72.
Joyce (née Henry) was born on December 6, 1948 in Geneva, Ohio. Joyce is survived by her husband of 49 years, Leo Schargorodski, her two sons Bradford (Megan) Schargorodski of Bowling Green, KY and Spencer (Stephanie Pollock) Schargorodski of Alexandria, VA, and three grandchildren Jackson, Samantha, and Henry Schargorodski. She is preceded in death by her father and mother, Robert A. and Marguerite Elizabeth (Bates) Henry.

A member of the Geneva High School Class of 1968, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Kent State University in 1972 where she met her husband, Leo. Joyce earned her Master of Education degree with a concentration in psychology and mental health counseling in 1979 from Cleveland State University, and earned her Juris Doctorate from the George Mason University School of Law in 1986.

An accomplished family law attorney, Joyce was a celebrated member of the legal community for nearly 30 years. A founding partner of Gaughan & Schargorodski, LLC in 1988, she went on to found Schargorodski & Associates, PLC in 2001, and JHS Family Law Group, PLC in 2014 where she practiced until her retirement in 2016. Her backgrounds in psychology and mental health counseling and her innate compassionate nature ensured her clients and colleagues received the highest degree of care, sensitivity, and advocacy when working with her. Her many professional accomplishments include the 2009 Chair Award for outstanding service from the Fairfax, Virginia County Circuit Court Committee and the 2012-2013 President’s Award from the Fairfax Bar Association. She was elected as a Bar Council member for the Virginia State Bar and served as a Master of the George Mason American Inn of Court.

Mentoring was also a large part of Joyce’s practice and passion. The Fairfax Bar Association selected Joyce to create mentor programs for new attorneys; she also mentored many law students for Virginia Circuit Court judges throughout her career. Joyce created a mentor program for the George Mason Chapter Inn of Court in 2009 and chaired their mentor and mentee program for many years thereafter.

Outside of her many professional accomplishments, Joyce was a cherished member of her community and she is remembered fondly by all who knew her. Her love of Motown music and dancing, her proclivity for all things chocolate and sweet Moscato wine, her passion for travel, and her unwavering dedication to her two sons and three grandchildren will forever be missed by her friends and family. A kind and genuine person, Joyce made friends wherever she went, and imbued a sense of joy, ease, and comfort with whomever she spoke. Joyce loved to hear other peoples’ life stories while standing in line at the grocery store or sitting next to a stranger on an airplane. She loved snow and Christmastime; she was known for throwing lavish holiday parties, she adored decorating a Christmas tree with her family, taking a walk in her neighborhood after a fresh snow, or enjoying a festive birthday dinner every December at Filomena Ristorante in Georgetown, Washington, DC. A woman with a kind heart, Joyce loved all animals, from the family cocker spaniels to the squirrels, fox, deer, and birds that lived in the woods outside her home of forty years in Fairfax.

Exequiel "Zeke" R. Sevilla, Jr., Esq.

Exequiel "Zeke" R. Sevilla, Jr., Esq., died on Saturday, October 16, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Leticia T. Sevilla, and his children, Maria Christina Sevilla, Sylvia W. Sevilla, and Eduardo R. Sevilla. He loved his family, his country, and the U.S. Army.

The Honorable Thomas Anthony Fortkort

The Honorable Thomas Anthony Fortkort, 87, died October 9, 2021 at his home in Vienna, Virginia. He was born April 2, 1934 in Buffalo, New York to Albert John Fortkort and his wife, Mary Veronica O’Donnell Fortkort. He attended high school at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute and later graduated in 1955 with a BS in Mathematics from St. Bonaventure University. He earned a J.D. from Georgetown University Law School in 1962. From 1967-1971, Fortkort worked in the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office in Fairfax, Virginia before opening his own law practice, Fortkort, Moshos and Davis. He was elected by the Virginia General Assembly as Judge to the Virginia Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Nineteenth Judicial District in 1977. He was later appointed Chief Judge of the court and served in that capacity from 1981-1985, when he was appointed to the Virginia Circuit Court Nineteenth Judicial Circuit. Fortkort retired from the Circuit Court in 1996, but continued to serve as a substitute judge over the next ten years. As a member of the American Arbitration Association, he worked for the US Copyright Office, serving on panels that oversaw the setting of royalty rates. In 2015, the Fairfax Bar Association honored him for 50 years of service as a lawyer, a Commonwealth Attorney, and a judge.

Tom was an avid golfer, fisherman and triathlete. In his later years, he participated in several major triathlons and marathons, including in Key West and Hawaii. He was a member of the Army-Navy Country Club and Hidden Creek Country Club in Reston, Virginia. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Irish Cultural Society, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and the Fairfax County Soccer Association. 

Tom Fortkort married Deanna Mae Andry in 1958. They celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary shortly before her death in 2008. He is survived by his four children, Mary Brancaccio, Michael Fortkort, Peter Fortkort and John Fortkort; his sisters, Sister Maura Fortkort, OSF and Sister Nancy Fortkort, OSF; eighteen grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

2019

The Honorable Frank B. Perry, III 

The Honorable Frank B. Perry, III passed away at home on July 1, 2019.

A native of Alexandria, VA, he attended the University of Virginia. After a stint as an Army Officer, he attended Law School at the University of Virginia, graduating in 1964. He practiced law for the Fairfax branch of the firm of Phillips, Kendrick et al, and became a substitute judge. He was elected General District Court judge in 1979 and served until his retirement in 1999.

He was well known for his patience and calm demeanor on the bench. He may be the last true Virginia gentleman.

Lawrence D. Gaughan, Esq. 

Larry D. Gaughan passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2019 of melanoma. As a lawyer, family mediator, and especially as a husband, Larry’s favorite topic was probably SIX COMPONENTS OF A GREAT MARRIAGE. He wrote extensively about adaptability in marriage, marital responsibility, marriage as a partnership and the role of self esteem in marriage. Lest you think “Here is a man thinking great thoughts as he rocks”. Not at all. This is the same man who bicycled 390 miles (much of it with a flat tire and in the rain) across the mountains of Montana in 4 ½ days to attend his 50th high school reunion. 

Larry was admitted to the Montana State Bar in 1957 and to the Virginia State Bar in 1967. Following a tour of duty in the Air Force as judge advocate in Texas, Turkey and France he obtained his LL.M and was asked to teach at UVA. He did so for seven years. In 1979, Larry was selected as “Scholar in Residence” at Georgetown University Family Center. He integrated his studies with mediation and soon opened his own mediation practice calling it, “FAMILY MEDIATION OF GREATER WASHINGTON”. 

Larry’s work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, USA Today and Virginia Laywers Weekly.

H. Wise Kelly, III, Esq. 

H. Wise Kelly, III passed away at his home in Rileyville, Va., on June 12, 2019.

A lifelong Virginian, Wise was born to Henry Wise Kelly Jr. and Agnes Patterson on Aug. 6, 1948. He attended Randolph-Macon Academy in Front Royal and Washington & Lee University in Lexington, graduating in 1970 not only with a degree in economics but also with lifelong friends and stories that could rival National Lampoon's "Animal House." He married Virginia Weiskittel and moved to Charlottesville to attend the University of Virginia School of Law. He graduated in 1973 and entered private practice in Fairfax.

During his career, Wise served as Chairman of the Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Board and Substitute Judge for the 19th Judicial District in Fairfax County and was a frequent lecturer on Professionalism and Ethics. His colleagues considered him to be one of the brightest attorneys they had ever dealt with - professional and honest, with a great sense of humor to boot. His clients loved him. No one who ever dealt with Wise forgot him. Wise retired in 2004 and loved every minute of it.

Wise spent his retirement blissfully caring for his home and garden, woodworking and expanding his encyclopedic knowledge of the Civil War. Accompanied by a Motown soundtrack, he traversed back roads throughout Virginia to reach battlefields and obscure historic sites, stomping around with wonder and enthusiasm for the most minute details. He was thrilled to spend his days as he saw fit, usually capped off with cold beer and peanuts.

Wise was a true gentleman. His sharp wit, kind heart and endless wisdom will be deeply missed. He is survived by his daughters, Laura Kelly Kennedy, of Austin, Texas, and Shannon Melissa Kelly, of Chicago, Ill., and his grandson, Henry Mason Kennedy, of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Meredith and Dale Houff, of Luray, Va., and his sister, Julia K. Kelly, of Mount Pleasant, S.C. He was a beloved uncle to Kyle Houff, Mitchell Houff and Virginia Mutch.

Albert I. Kassabian, Esq.

On April 21, 2019, longtime practicing attorney, Albert I. Kassabian, of Oakton, VA, passed away from lung cancer at the age of 96. His beloved wife of 63 years, Dr. Alice Kassabian, predeceased him on June 9, 2011. He was the devoted father of five children, Dr. Keith Kassabian (Amy), Lynne Kassabian (David Hick), The Honorable Brett Kassabian (Jacqueline), Clay Kassabian (Inge) and John Kassabian. A loving and involved grandfather, affectionately known as Papa Al, he adored his seven grandchildren, Peter, Rachel (Alex Usé), Rebecca, Hannah, Joshua, Ani and Sarah. He was uncle to John Anooshian (Cynthia), Dr. John Anooshian, Ann Anooshian and Robert Kassabian (Vanessa), and great-uncle to Chanel Anooshian and Carson Kassabian. His doting sister, Gloria Kassabian, survives him. His younger brother, the Honorable Arnold Kassabian (Naomi), predeceased him.

The son of Armenian immigrants, Ohannes and Araxy Kassabian, he was born in Richmond, VA, on June 24, 1922. He moved to New York City and later served as a lieutenant in the US Army during WWII, seeing combat action in Okinawa and subsequently serving in occupied Japan as a courier for Gen. MacArthur. Upon his honorable discharge, he graduated from CCNY, married his loving Alice and in 1950 earned his law degree from the University of Virginia. He practiced law at Kassabian & Kassabian, PLC in Annandale, VA, until the week before he passed, a span of almost 70 years. During the civil rights movement, he was active in confronting Virginia's massive resistance to school desegregation. He was a long-standing member of Little River United Church of Christ, serving on the board of deacons. He will be remembered for his unflagging humor, his powerful strength of character and his complete devotion to his cherished family.

2018

David Paul Bobzien, Esq.

David Paul Bobzien passed away in the early morning of Sunday, December 30, 2018 at The Johns Hopkins Hospital after a battle with leukemia. His devoted wife Cathy was at his bedside, and he was surrounded by the love and prayers of his family and friends. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey on October 1, 1946, his memory will be cherished by Cathy, his son and daughter-in-law, David Jr. and Julie Bobzien, and son Brendan Bobzien. David was a loving grandfather of three grandsons, Luca, Finnegan and David III, and one granddaughter, Carly. David is also survived by his sister-in-law Ann, niece Kathleen and nephews Bill IV, Brian and Ben. He was preceded in death by his parents, Col. William F. Bobzien Jr., U.S. Army, and Dolores Flynn Bobzien, and his brother, William Bobzien III.

David was a 1968 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and a 1971 graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law. He received an LLM in Taxation in 1975 from the George Washington University School of Law.

Following law school, David served as a captain in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps at Fort Meade, Maryland for four years. After his service, he was an associate with the Fairfax firm of Fitzgerald and Smith before serving from 1979 until 1992 as Assistant Counsel in the Office of Professional Responsibility of the U.S. Department of Justice.

David retired in June of 2016 after twenty three years as the County Attorney for Fairfax. He was President of the Virginia State Bar in 2004-2005, the first local government attorney to serve in that capacity. He was also a past president of the Local Government Attorneys of Virginia, Lawyers Helping Lawyers, the Virginia Law Foundation, and the Fairfax Law Foundation. He served as a Virginia State Bar Delegate to the American Bar Association's House of Delegates, on the ABA Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence, and as Chairman of the Virginia CLE committee of the Virginia Law Foundation.

A man of faith, David was active in his church community and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He was also a leader in the community, a former Boy Scouts adult leader, a stalwart member of the Reston Runners, and served as a member of the Reston Association Board of Directors. He loved to run, exercise with his friends at the YMCA, relax in the Shenandoah Valley and at Lake Tahoe, especially in the company of his grandchildren, and travel the world. He has been described as full of life, wisdom and humor, a lion of the law, and an exemplar of the belief that public service is noble and necessary. To his family he was a stickler for punctuality, and to his colleagues the strictest of grammarians. To all he was a true gentleman.

The Honorable Jack Britton Stevens

On December 20, 2018 The Honorable Jack Britton Stevens, of Marionville, VA passed away at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital. Jack was born in Florida on December 27, 1932 and adopted as an infant by the late John R. Stevens and the late Rose Anna Stewart Stevens. Jack Graduated from Bakersfield High School, Bakersfield, CA in 1950 whereupon he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Jack Attended the United States Naval Academy for two years at which time he resigned to return to San Diego, California to attend to his ailing father. Once his father recovered, Jack worked in the construction business with his father eventually returning to school. Jack obtained a BS degree in Civil Engineering from San Diego State University in 1957, and an LLB from Georgetown University in 1960. Jack Practiced Law for 22 years and served as a Judge on the Circuit Court of Fairfax County from 1983 to his retirement in 1998.

Jack is survived by his wife, Kathleen B. Stevens; three children, from his former wife the late Marianne Rhoades Stevens; Anne Kelley Stevens of Alexandria, VA, Casey R. Stevens of Manassas, VA, John C. Stevens of Singapore; and two grandchildren, Chloe A. Stevens and Nicole R. Stevens.

David Charles Roehrenbeck, Esq.

David Charles Roehrenbeck passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 4, 2018. He was an attorney in Virginia for nearly 50 years, and practiced in Fairfax County for a large portion of that time.

Myron J. Teluk, Esq.

Myron J. Teluk passed away peacefully at the age of 66 years old on Thursday, August 9, 2018.  Myron was born on June 15, 1952 in New Haven, CT to John and Irene Teluk. He graduated from the University of New Haven with a Bachelor's degree in 1974 and George Mason University in 1977 earning his J.D. He married his college sweetheart, Lidia, in 1974 and subsequently had two beautiful daughters. He was a well-respected Virginia attorney, dedicated to his own practice for nearly 30 years. Myron retired from practicing law in May of 2016.

Myron was the beloved husband of Lidia Teluk; devoted father of Maria Auger (Christopher) and Natalie Haynes (Jason); dear brother of Christine Ferenc (Bogdan); loving grandfather of Andrew and Joshua Auger. Myron is also survived by his niece, Nina Ferenc and a host of other relatives.

Robert G. Culin, Jr., Esq. 

Robert "Bob" G. Culin, Jr., a retired partner of Culin, Sharp, Autry & Day, PLC, died at his home in Alexandria on Tuesday, July 10, 2018. He practiced law in Northern Virginia for over 30 years and left a lasting impact on his community. Originally from Pennsylvania, Bob moved to Virginia to attend Georgetown University followed by Villanova University shortly after. Known for his skill at negotiation and persuasion, Bob was one of the select attorneys appointed to act as a Neutral Case Evaluator for the Fairfax County Circuit Court, being among the first group of Neutral Case Evaluators appointed.

Frances Fite, Esq.

Frances Fite, known as Francie, died on July 3, 2018 at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville after complications resulting from a serious spinal cord injury suffered at a friend's home. She fought a courageous battle for seven weeks and passed peacefully with family members at her side. Francie practiced family law in McLean and retired as senior partner in the firm of Fite & O'Brien in 2013. She was an early advocate of mediation as an alternative to litigation and joined The McCammon Group in Richmond.  She was among the first in Virginia to embrace collaborative  law as a more efficient and effective method for reaching fair and lasting agreements. Francie was a member of the Fairfax Bar Association throughout her law career and served on multiple committees and the Fairfax Board of Directors from 1985 through 1990.

Thomas Scanlan, Esq.

Thomas Scanlan was born in Washington DC on August 30, 1946.  He was the youngest of six children born to Dr. John J. Scanlan and Agnes Mary (Galvin) Scanlan.  He grew up in Washington DC, where he attended grade school, high school and college.  He graduated in 1980 from George Mason University Law School.  From 1981 to 1986, Tom worked as an assistant Commonwealth's Attorney in Fairfax County.  He left that position to open a private law practice in Fairfax, focusing on criminal defense, civil litigation and domestic relations cases.  Tom retired from the practice of law in 2006.

Craig Akio Kawamoto, Esq.

Mark J. Yeager, Esq.

Mark Joseph Yeager, age 70, passed away on the evening of March 6, 2018 at Fairfax INOVA Hospital after a battle with cancer.

Mark was born in Ohio on August 5, 1947. Mark attended the University of Oregon from 1967 to 1969, where he studied political science and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1969. From 1970 until 1973, Mark served in the United States Army, working as a Special Agent for U.S Military Intelligence Command. In 1973, Mark obtained an Master's degree in Business Administration from Adelphi University. In 1975, Mark entered the International School of Law (now George Mason University School of Law), where he was selected for Law Review and served as Notes Editor.  In 1978, Mark graduated from the International School of Law and was admitted to practice in Virginia. 

For 40 years Mark dedicated his law practice to criminal defense and appeals. For the vast majority of those years, Mark worked as a sole practitioner with an office in Fairfax, Virginia. Mark was a trusted and loyal friend to many and an experienced and talented advocate for his clients.

In addition to the lives of thousands of clients he impacted, Mark also positively impacted the lives of many young people. Before becoming a lawyer, Mark worked as a high school English teacher.  Mark also served as a high school football referee for 15 years. Mark was a mentor to numerous young attorneys, especially in connection with the Fairfax County Office of the Public Defender. During his career, Mark served as an Instructor at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy and served as a member of The Chief Justice's Indigent Defense Training Initiative. Mark was active in his parish, serving as both lector and as a CCD teacher, teaching children about the Catholic faith. Mark was a proud godfather to Mia Grace Thelin (8) and Margaret Elizabeth Thelin (6) daughters of his former law partner and dear friend, Joseph Wylie Thelin.

Mark lead a full and active life. He participated in community theater and was featured in numerous performances over the years with The Reston Players. Mark was a lifelong fan of Oregon Ducks football. He enjoyed photography, astronomy, nature and travel. Mark made his home in Reston, Virginia with his adoring wife, partner, and best friend Margaret Elizabeth (Meghan) Yeager, and their beloved dogs.

Mark was witty, humble, intelligent, generous, kind and compassionate. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

John A. Keats, Esq.

John A. Keats passed peacefully at home in Great Falls, Virginia on Wednesday, January 10, 2018. He was 77.

John received his B.A. from Georgetown University in 1962 and his J.D. from Catholic University in 1966. He was admitted to practice in the District of Columbia in 1967 and the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1972. He practiced law for 50 years, most recently in the firm of Keats & Meleen, PLC. He was an experienced trial lawyer in State and Federal courts, and served as an instructor for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy beginning in 1988. He was most at home on his feet in the courtroom and was honored to serve as a substitute judge in the State District Courts of Northern Virginia.

John was an avid outdoorsman and hunter, a skilled horseman, and a gifted guitarist who blessed us with his presence and humor. He was member of several social clubs and organizations, including the Single Action Shooting Society where he was known as "Lonesome Polecat." He was a long-standing member of the Fairfax Hunt Club and a life-time member of the NRA.

John is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Crystal Meleen; his daughter, Whitney Murray; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brothers, Paul (Carla) and Patrick (Lilly) Keats; his sister, Joanne Cassullo; and his beloved nephews, Paul (Heather), John (Samantha) and Brendan (Aley). John will be remembered for stewardship to his community, love to his family and friends, and living a full life of education, service and adventure.

2017

Linda D. Regenhardt, Esq.

Linda D. Regenhardt, Esq. died October 22, 2017 while on a cruise ship off the coast of Spain. Linda was a graduate of Georgetown University Law School (1987). Later, she earned a degree from George Washington University in Mediation and Advanced Dispute Resolution and became a member of the American Arbitration Association. Linda practiced as an attorney from 1987 until her retirement in 2017, specializing in civil litigation, bankruptcy, and mediation. She worked for several firms in both Washington, D.C. and Virginia before establishing a solo practice in 2013 from which she retired in April 2017.

William (Bill) L. Schmidt, Esq.

William (Bill) L. Schmidt, Esq. passed away on October 1, 2017. Bill served as an attorney in Fairfax Country for over 45 years. Beloved husband of Patricia Schmidt for 43 years; father of Dawn McIntosh, Darryl Wellens (Jeri), Sheri Gibson (Jake) and William Schmidt; loving grandfather of Ashley Moriarty, Darryl Wellens, Faith Gibson and John Gibson. Brother of Caren Kutch and the late Carol Schmidt.

Stuart Hunter Gary, Esq.

Stuart Hunter Gary, Esq. passed away on September 18, 2017 after a long battle with heart and lung disease.  

Mr. Gary was a longstanding member of the Bars of Virginia and DC and began his legal career as a clerk for the Honorable J. Walter Yeagley on the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. After a short stint at the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, he opened his own law firm in Fairfax, VA focused primarily on business formation, mergers & acquisitions and real estate transactions.  He spent his final years as Senior Counsel at the law firm of SmolenPlevy in Tysons Corner. 

Mr. Gary was born in Richmond, Virginia, was graduate of the University of Virginia and American University, Washington College of Law where he was editor of the Washington College of Law Law Review.  He received numerous awards throughout his legal career including inclusion in Virginia Business' "Legal Elite", was among the "Top Rated Lawyers" by the Wall Street Journal in 2015 and Mr. Gary was "AV" rated by Martindale Hubbell. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Donna Rothman Gary, his two children, Robin Leigh Gary of Washington, D.C. and Kenneth Asher Gary of New York, N.Y., his mother, Blanche Gary of Richmond, VA, his brother Richard Gary of Richmond, VA and several nieces and nephews.  His irreverent sense of humor, his laugh and his appreciation for history and the foibles of humanity will be greatly missed.  

John S. Stump, III, Esq.

John Sutton Stump, III, Esq. died on August 11, 2017, in Ashburn, Virginia. Mr. Stump retired as a partner with McGuire, Woods, Battle and Boothe in 2000. Mr. Stump was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, on August 7, 1929, where he attended Washington Irving High School. He attended the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill on an NROTC scholarship where he was elected to Scabbard and Blade and served as president of Kappa Alpha Order. After graduating in 1951 with a BS in economics, he began full-time service in the United States Navy before joining the reserves in 1954 as a Lieutenant Commander. Later, he attended Washington and Lee University Law School graduating summa cum laude in 1957. There he served as assistant editor of the Law Review and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Order of the Coif, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Phi Delta Phi. Mr. Stump began his legal career with Steptoe and Johnson in Charleston, West Virginia, but soon moved to Alexandria, Virginia, in 1958 where he was recruited to join the law firm of Boothe, Prichard, Dudley, Koontz, and Blankingship. Waller Dudley had first called Bob Huntley, the future president of Washington and Lee University, but Huntley recommended his close friend, John Stump instead. In 1962, he took time off from the practice of law when called back into service with the Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis. His beloved younger brother Jim (1932-1968) took over his caseload and formally joined the firm upon Mr. Stump's return. Mr. Stump was instrumental in arranging the merger of Boothe, Prichard and Dudley with McGuire Woods in 1987 to form McGuire, Woods, Battle and Boothe (now McGuireWoods). He practiced in Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, and was a fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers. He tried cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and in courts as far away as Amman, Jordan. He focused his energies on his two passions of growing McGuireWoods and taking care of his family. Mr. Stump was also passionate about learning and chaired Continuing Legal Education in Virginia. He was grateful for Armistead Boothe, Waller Dudley, Ed Prichard, Judge William Koontz, and others who took time to mentor him and enjoyed mentoring younger lawyers. In his later years he counseled lawyers who had run afoul of the Virginia State Bar. Despite his stoic demeanor he strongly believed in second chances. 

Mr. Stump is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Elaine, as well as his brother Jim and survived by his sister Mary Harrell (Ray) of Franklin, NC; sons John (Lauren) of Raleigh, NC, and James (Sarah) of McLean; and four grandchildren: Sutton, Josephine, Bailey and Mary Parker. 

Gary W. Brown, Esq.

Gary W. Brown, Esq., passed away on August 4, 2017, at age 75.  He was born on April 7, 1942 in Picher, Oklahoma.  He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1964, and the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1967.  He served in the Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps from 1967-1970, during the Vietnam War.

He practiced law in the District of Columbia and Virginia from 1967 to 2017.  He served as the past president of the DC Defense Lawyer's Association, and was named Lawyer of the Year in 1990.  He has been named one of the Best Lawyers in America, Washington, D.C.; Best Lawyers in Virginia; and a DC Super Lawyer.  Gary was also listed regularly in Virginia's Legal Elite.

Gary co-authored and contributed to three books: Military Language, Military Justice, and Pediatric Lifecare Planning.  Gary was the managing partner of Bromley, Brown and Walsh; the Fairfax Office of Miles & Stockbridge; and was Chairman of the Board of McCandlish & Lillard.  Gary was a Board Member of the Fairfax Salvation Army, where he volunteered regularly, and his 50-year law practice involved representing both hospitals and physicians.  His clients included Children's Hospital and Sibley Memorial Hospital in D.C., and Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia.

Gary was the past co-president of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).  He was a past vestry member of The Falls Church Episcopal (in the late 1980s), and later joined The Falls Church Anglican.

He was a Member of The National Academy of Trial Lawyers.  Late in his career he became a Board member of the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, a non-profit charity that manages real estate investments to support its charitable giving in support of educational endeavors. This he absolutely loved.

Gary was beloved by everyone he ever met, and truly loved being a grandfather.  He is survived by his wife Alice, his two sons Marc (wife Sherri Brown) and Josh, his sister Freda Tanner (husband Charles Tanner), niece Shantell (Tanner) Barbour and three grandchildren, Katie, Kelly and Jack.

Philip Schwartz, Esq.

Philip Schwartz, Esq., passed away Friday, June 23, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. He was kind and compassionate, loved the law and his clients loved him. He set the standard with stability within the profession. He will be greatly missed. 

Marcia M. Maddox, Esq.

Marcia M. Maddox, Esq., long time Fairfax Bar Association member and mother of Katharine W. Maddox, Esq., passed away on April 4, 2017 after a long and brave fight with cancer.  Marcia often described her long career in the law as one of her many joys in life.  Marcia loved the law, both in practice and in theory.  She loved her many friends whom she came to know through the legal organizations which she was involved with over the years.  She especially enjoyed her friends and travels with the International Academy of Family Lawyers, serving as the President of the US Chapter from 2008-2010, and her work on the Amicus Committee of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.  Marcia was very proud to have been included several times as one of the Best Lawyers in America (Family Law) and to be listed as one of the top 25 female lawyers in America by Super Lawyers Magazine.
 
Marcia was a graduate of Smith College.  Her first (and likely favorite) job was that of Assistant Press Secretary to Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson during the five years of the Johnson Administration.  Marcia began her legal career in her late 30s with Betty A. Thompson, thereafter opening her own law firm and finally serving as the founding partner of Maddox & Gerock with her daughter Katharine Maddox and Julie Gerock.  Marcia never fully retired, preferring to remain engaged in the law as long as she was able.  She loved her family, friends and colleagues, and we will miss her.

Janelle Nanavati

Carol Janelle Visnich Nanavati, 41, passed away on March 10 in Richmond, Virginia. The cause of her death was breast cancer. She is survived by her sons William (6), Pierce (6), and Luke (3) and her husband of 12 years, Jay Nanavati.

Janelle’s boys were her everything. All four of them. She fretted about Pierce’s mischievousness and ability to feel things more deeply than his young mind could process, but she couldn’t help but laugh at the way he negotiated his way out of trouble. He is, after all, so much Visnich. She adored Will’s shyness and content acceptance of whatever was in front of him and wondered if she should drive him out of his shell, but he is a Nanavati, and so peacefully okay with life, so what can you do? And then there’s baby Luke, the perfect blend of both Janelle and Jay - so smart and articulate and loving and open. She just wanted to press him to her, even hatching a plan to prevent him from ever growing up and moving out of the house.

Jay Nanavati was the love of her life, from the first moment she met him late in her sophomore year of college. He was her equal in everything – he was the only person she ever met who was as smart as she, and she loved him with everything in her. He made her laugh, and think, and strive to be more. And she did the same for him.

Miriam L. Kinner, Esq.

Miriam Louise Kinner, known to friends and family as Mimi, lost her life on May 21, 2017 to a recurrence of a cancer thought to have been resolved two years before. She confronted the very aggressive disease, as she lived her life, with optimism, good humor, and faith. She lost her courageous fight but not her spirit. Mimi will be missed by the friends she retained from her years growing up in Montgomery County Maryland. 

Her parents had moved to the DC metropolitan area from Michigan where Mimi was born. She attended Woodward High School, developing lifelong friendships she cherished. Mimi gained work experience here with the Wall Street Journal and the Federal Disaster Administration, the forerunner of FEMA. She began college at University of Maryland, but transferred to the University of Michigan, where she graduated with teaching credentials. She enjoyed a short stint teaching English in Northville Michigan before the position was eliminated by budget cuts. Mimi returned to the Washington DC area and worked as a paralegal in a downtown law firm. While with that firm, she attended Law School at night at the George Mason University School of Law in Arlington, Virginia. Mimi earned her JD in 1985 and worked with several small firms. She sharpened her expertise in family law while practicing with Audrey D'cruz, in Fairfax, Virginia. 

Mimi started the Law Offices of Miriam Kinner upon Audrey's retirement, and continued a successful law practice until her death. During her career, Mimi remained concerned about the welfare of her associates and her clients. Her strength, intelligence and compassion improved the lives of those she worked with and those who retained her. So many people benefited from Mimi's support and encouragement.

Charles Jordan Samuels, Esq.

Charles Jordan Samuels, Esq., age 61, passed away January 8, 2017 at Lake Ridge, Virginia, after a long and stoic struggle with lymphoma.  Born July 28, 1955 in Norfolk, Charles was a resident of northern Virginia for over 30 years.  He was the son of the late Leroy Elliot Samuels.

A graduate of Granby High School in Norfolk, Charles was an accomplished percussionist, member of the marching band, and president of his high school fraternity.  In his youth, he enjoyed playing basketball and began his daily habit of reading the newspaper cover to cover.  He carried this love of life and current events until the very end.  Charles attended Virginia Commonwealth University, graduating in 1977 with a bachelor of science in business administration and management, and attended George Mason University School of Law, receiving his Juris Doctor degree in 1980.  A member of the Virginia Bar, Charles was briefly an associate in the offices of noted attorney Guy. O. Farley and his son, before establishing himself as a sole practitioner for the remainder of his career.  Charles distinguished himself as both a passionate advocate for and compassionate counselor of his clients, always thoroughly prepared and proactive in testing each aspect of a case for their benefit.  

His love of the law was second only to his love of his family and friends.  Never one to burden others with his own ills, nor to seek recognition for his generosities, Charles quietly volunteered in youth outreach programs and bestowed many acts of kindness upon friends and those in need throughout the northern Virginia legal community.  An avid admirer of the arts, Charles also enjoyed satirical humor and the companionship of his dogs.  

Charles is survived by his mother, Josephine Masserman Samuels of Norfolk, sister Ellen S. Ruben of Virginia Beach, brother Andrew C. Samuels of Norfolk, nephew Kevin Ruben, other extended family, and his life partner and longtime love, artist Jacqueline France, and her children Preston France (wife Kristen) of Clinton, New Jersey and Alexandra France (partner Micah Savidge) of Alexandria.