Arrangements under the direction of Demaine Funeral Home – Fairfax, FAIRFAX, VA.
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September 19, 2017
Friend
Fleur Duggan
Bill and I will always fondly remember John and that wonderful trip we all took to see the "Lion King" in Baltimore. Sending love to you, Penny, and wishing him a fond farewell.
August 1, 2017
Sylvia Sevilla
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always remember my children bragging that Santa Claus lived in our neighborhood. I loved the way they interacted, and his kindness.
July 20, 2017
Dickson Young
John was a man of great principle and a fierce advocate for his clients. Although we didn't see eye to eye I had a great deal of respect for him for his diligence and commitment. He should be very proud of his son Brandon who has grown into a fine young man
June 28, 2017
Dear Penny & Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May you gain solace in knowing that John is at peace.
Very sincerely,
Linda Cunningham Goldstein
June 28, 2017
Mary Kudless
Dear Penny and Sons,
My heart goes out to you at this very sad time. I worked with John for 26 years at the Fairfax Falls Church CSB. He was a great advocate for the children and teens served by the CSB and all the child serving agencies in Fairfax County.
We developed the MERCY Team together and he coined the name: Mobile Emergency Response for Children and Youth.
John and I resided near Woodburn Center in the 1970's at Strathmeade Square. His sons helped us out with our little lawn there. John was very devoted to his family and his boys are terrific and I am sure they have grown into wonderful men.
I was glad to have a chance to speak with you and John at the recent retirement of David Sherman. I know that he was struggling with his health, but he was so pleased to be there and all were glad to see him. He really left a legacy.
You are in my thoughts and prayers, as you face the days ahead
Mary Kudless
June 26, 2017
Maggie Thorpe
I've known John for 22 years and he was such an interesting man. He was so knowledgeable and well traveled, loved his family dearly, and had a sense of civic duty. I will miss John but am so thankful to have had the pleasure of knowing him.
June 26, 2017
John DeFee
I worked with John throughout his career with the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, first in his many roles at the Woodburn Center For Community Mental Health and then in his role with the larger Mental Health System in Fairfax County. John was a very intelligent and talanted professional. In my opinion, there was no one who was a greater advocate for children and their families. He was responsible for developing and implementing numerous programs to assist and support youth and their families.
Penny, my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I know you were the love of John's life and a constant source of support for him.
June 26, 2017
Jean Post
Penny, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I am so sad to learn of John's passing and know he put up a good fight. I will always cherish the times we spent boating on the Potomac. I will miss him greatly.
June 25, 2017
Lynda Browne
I was saddened to read in the Washington Post of John's passing. He treated me (and my sons) at Woodburn Center in the 1970s. He literally helped me put my family back together, and the respect and fondness for him will stay with me forever. God bless you, John, as well as your family.
June 25, 2017
Keith Hardenbrook
I remember working with John at Woodburn Center. We had many heart to heart conversations about many topics. He didn't take 'guff' from people, but he was always fair and listened with a passionate heart.
My condolences to his family.
June 24, 2017
Richard Herrington
John served the community for many years and is perhaps most remembered for his many years of service as the City of Fairfax General Registrar and appointment by the 19th Circuit Court to the City of Fairfax Electoral Board. John was a jealous advocate for adherence to electoral law and a wealth of knowledge concerning election related matters. He was absolutely committed to ensuring every qualified voter in the City was afforded the opportunity to cast a ballot. Our city is blessed to have people like John who unhesitantly "step up" to the call of community service and we are diminished by his absence.
Loretta and I send our most sincere condolences to Penny and John's entire family.
Warm Regards,
Richard "Rick" Herrington
Secretary
City of Fairfax Electoral Board
June 24, 2017
Acquaintance
Kay Wintermoyer
Sorry to hear of John's death. We almost lost him a couple of years ago but he recovered. We will miss him at the County retirement outings.
June 23, 2017
Jane Woods
My prayers and thoughts are with you, Penny, through this most difficult time. John had such dedication to those he served in so many capacities here in the City and beyond. His service was a true privilege for us all. I am grateful I had the chance to work with John for our community. God bless you all.
June 23, 2017
Joan Rodgers
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time - I appreciated John's sense of humor and his advocacy for those he served in the community.
June 23, 2017
MB A
I remember John from Woodburn many years ago. He was a nice, respectful guy. Good with the people he served. I remember seeing him walk towards his car or down the halls of Woodburn always with a purpose in his step. I never worked with him but he is a part of my MH recovery past whom I remember fondly. A regular part of the fixtures in the safety of Woodburn. Enjoy your next adventures, John and to your family I wish good healing.
June 23, 2017
I remember John from Woodburn many years ago. He was a nice, respectful guy. Good with the people he served. I remember seeing him walk towards his car or down the halls of Woodburn always with a purpose in his step. I never worked with him but he is a part of my MH recovery past whom I remember fondly. A regular part of the fixtures in the safety of Woodburn. Enjoy your next adventures, John and to your family I wish good healing.
MBA Fairfax, Virginia)
June 23, 2017
Maria Hamm
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. We worked together at Woodburn many years ago. I will always remember the parakeet he gave my children. My prayers go out to his family. Rest In Peace.
June 23, 2017
Tracey Cox
So sorry to hear about John's passing Penny. I know it has been a long struggle and he was a warrior throughout his fight. You were his rock. My thoughts and prayers are with you and his family.
June 23, 2017
laurel larison
Very sad to hear of Mr. Harold passing. May the Lord comfort you in this difficult time.
June 23, 2017
Thomas Ross
John was a friend to everyone he met and worked with. He was also truly dedicated to his family, friends and community, serving in a variety of capacities over the years. Working with him on the City's Electoral Board and on the Independence Day judging for the city's parade was always an incredible experience. He cared deeply about his family and his community and was always willing to provide advice, counsel and his candid opinion about what was important.
June 22, 2017
David Rathbun
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
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