Michael Robert Frey, longtime public servant, passed away February 16, 2026. He left behind a distinguished legacy of leadership, vision, and community dedication.
He was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and continued to live in that area until he moved to Northern Virginia in 1978 to pursue his interest in politics. An internship with then Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors led to his first experience on a campaign. And that then took him to a series of staff positions for Chairman Herrity and former Springfield District Supervisor Elaine McConnell. Michael became the inaugural Sully District Supervisor when the district was created in 1991. He went on to serve six consecutive terms, holding office until 2015. He became one of the most influential voices in Fairfax County governance. Throughout his 24 years on the Board of Supervisors, he guided the western portion of the county through decades of transformative growth and shaped the community identity.
Michael’s career accomplishments reflect his deep commitment to thoughtful development, public safety, youth services, and quality of life. He chaired the Board of Supervisors' Development Process Committee beginning in 1992, shaping land use policies during a period of rapid expansion. A 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.
Among his most notable contributions: Michael played an instrumental role in securing the Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum in 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. His leadership helped expand parkland and recreational opportunities, including major land and historic structure preservation efforts and youth athletic initiatives.
Known for his steady judgment and bipartisan approach, Michael 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.
Beyond his public achievements, Michael was cherished for his warmth, humor, love of local history, and passion for community sports. He was a regular at Westfield HS football games, GMU basketball games, and an ardent Philadelphia Phillies fan. He was also passionate about animals, particularly those in need of rescue. When not in the office or at a community event, he could most often be found walking one of his beloved shepherds in the stream valley. His love for strays resulted in numerous pet additions, 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 Michael, it became his cause. He devoted countless hours to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, Southwest Youth Association, pediatric cancer fundraisers, and the Centreville Immigration Forum. He served on task forces, and was always willing to lend a hand, or a thought.
He loved to travel and explore. He went to Israel, Cambodia, and Thailand. He favored adventures over vacations and ventured to some of the far- reaching parts of the world. His trips included two African safaris, Patagonia, the Galapagos, and tracking grizzly bears in the wilderness area of Alaska.
He leaves behind several cherished family members including: his sister, Alana Remley; his nephews Allen (Dana), Evan (Elaine), and Micah (Katie); and Melissa Remley. He had twelve grandnieces and nephews all of whom share his love of adventure and travel. He will be missed by many friends, colleagues, and the countless residents whose lives he touched. Michael loved the life he built in Virginia and his co-workers, friends, and constituents were all part of his family.
A memorial service/celebration of his life will be planned and announced in the future. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.