Former Sully District Supervisor Michael Frey at his desk in January 2015.
Fairfax County lost a legend in local government, Feb. 16, when former Sully District Supervisor Michael Robert Frey died at age 69. Leaving a distinguished legacy of leadership, vision and community dedication, he served 37 years in the county – including 24 years as Sully District supervisor.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, April 11, from 2-4 p.m., in the Fairfax County Government Center auditorium. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter at https://ffcas.org/donate/.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, Penn., he moved to Northern Virginia in 1978 to pursue his interest in politics. An internship with then county Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Herrity led to Frey’s first experience on a political campaign. He then held various staff positions for both Herrity and former Springfield District Supervisor Elaine McConnell. And after the Sully District was created in 1991, Frey became its first supervisor in January 1992.
He served six consecutive terms until his retirement at the end of 2015. Becoming one of the most influential voices in Fairfax County government, he guided its western portion through decades of explosive population growth and transformative development and helped shape the community’s identity. Frey’s career achievements reflected his deep commitment to thoughtful development, public safety, youth services and quality of life.
Some of the major projects accomplished during his tenure as Sully’s leader included construction of the modern-day Centreville and Chantilly regional libraries, Sully District Police Station and Governmental Center, West Centreville Fire Station 38, Cub Run Rec Center, Routes 28/29 Interchange, and the Centreville Labor Resource Center, enabling local immigrants to obtain jobs in a safe environment. He also promoted the creation of a dog park in Centreville, plus preservation of the historic buildings in Centreville’s Historic District.
In addition, Frey played an instrumental role in securing the National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center for the Sully District, championed improvements to key transportation corridors including Route 28 and the I-66 interchange, strongly supported Fairfax County’s successful bid to host the 2015 World Police and Fire Games, and was instrumental in efforts to bring baseball to Northern Virginia. And he helped expand parkland and recreational opportunities, including major land-preservation efforts and youth athletic initiatives.
Known for his steady judgment and bipartisan approach, Frey was widely admired for his ability to work collaboratively with residents, community groups and officials at every level of government. He approached public service with fairness, humility and a genuine desire to make life better for the people he represented.
He was also known for his warmth, humor, love of local history and passion for community sports. He was a regular at Westfield High football games and GMU basketball games and was an ardent Philadelphia Phillies fan.
Frey was passionate about animals, particularly those needing rescue. When not in the office or at a community event, he could often be found walking one of his beloved German shepherds – first Mosby, and later, Marley and Boomer – in the stream valley. His love for strays resulted in numerous pet adoptions, including cats, dogs, guinea pigs and a chinchilla.
He also “adopted” stray people and their causes. If a cause mattered to someone who mattered to Frey, it became his cause. He devoted countless hours to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, Southwest Youth Association, pediatric-cancer fundraiser, and the Centreville Immigration Forum.
Frey also served on various task forces and was always willing to lend a hand or his thoughts on the issues. He chaired the Board of Supervisors’ Development Process Committee beginning in 1992, guiding land-use policies during a period of rapid expansion.
A well-respected regional leader, he represented Fairfax County on the Transportation Planning Board of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, the Committee on Noise Abatement at National and Dulles Airports, and the Council of Governments’ Development Policy Committee. He also served on the Executive Committee of the Dulles Area Transportation Association and held roles supporting youth and community organizations, including the Fairfax Partnership for Youth and local sports associations.
Frey lived in Centreville’s London Commons community. He’s survived by his sister, Alana Remley, plus nephews and 12 grandnieces and nephews.