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Michael Robert Frey, the first person to represent Fairfax County’s Sully District and a central figure in shaping the county’s rapidly growing western communities, died Feb. 16 at age 69.
Frey spent 37 years in Fairfax County government, including 24 years as Sully District supervisor. He served six consecutive terms from January 1992 until retiring at the end of 2015.
A celebration of his life is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Fairfax County Government Center auditorium. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Frey moved to Northern Virginia in 1978 to pursue an interest in politics. An internship with then-Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Herrity introduced him to political campaigning. He later held staff positions with Herrity and former Springfield District Supervisor Elaine McConnell.
When the Sully District was established in 1991, Frey became its inaugural supervisor the following January. Over the next two decades, he helped guide western Fairfax County through dramatic population growth and development.
His tenure brought major public projects to Centreville, Chantilly and surrounding communities. They included the modern Centreville and Chantilly regional libraries, the Sully District Police Station and Governmental Center, West Centreville Fire Station 38, Cub Run Rec Center, the Routes 28 and 29 interchange, and the Centreville Labor Resource Center.
Frey also promoted Centreville’s dog park, supported preservation of buildings in the Centreville Historic District and played a key role in bringing the National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center to the Sully District.
Transportation remained another major focus. He championed improvements along Route 28 and at the Interstate 66 interchange and represented Fairfax County on the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Transportation Planning Board.
Frey strongly backed the county’s successful effort to host the 2015 World Police and Fire Games and participated in attempts to bring baseball to Northern Virginia. He also supported the expansion of parkland, land-preservation projects, recreational opportunities and youth athletics.
Beginning in 1992, Frey chaired the Board of Supervisors’ Development Process Committee, helping guide land-use policy during an era of intense expansion. His regional roles included service on committees addressing airport noise and development policy, as well as the Executive Committee of the Dulles Area Transportation Association.
Residents and fellow officials knew Frey for his steady judgment, bipartisan outlook and willingness to collaborate with community groups and governments. He was also remembered for his humor, interest in local history and enthusiasm for sports.
Frey regularly attended Westfield High School football games and George Mason University basketball games. He was also a devoted Philadelphia Phillies fan.
Animals held a special place in his life, particularly those needing rescue. He often walked his German shepherds—first Mosby and later Marley and Boomer—through the stream valley. Over the years, he adopted cats, dogs, guinea pigs and a chinchilla.
That concern extended to people and community causes. Frey gave his time to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, the Southwest Youth Association, a pediatric cancer fundraiser and the Centreville Immigration Forum. He also supported the Fairfax Partnership for Youth and local sports organizations.
Frey lived in Centreville’s London Commons community. He is survived by his sister, Alana Remley, his nephews, and 12 grandnieces and grandnephews.