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Fairfax County officials and civic leaders are remembering former Sully District Supervisor Michael Frey as a devoted public servant, bipartisan leader and passionate animal advocate following his unexpected death on Feb. 16.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay announced the loss during the board’s Feb. 17 meeting, saying officials were in shock and that Frey had died far too soon.

Frey, a Republican, represented the Sully District from 1992 through 2015. He was the first supervisor elected from the western Fairfax district, which became the county’s ninth magisterial district after rapid growth during the 1980s and 1990s.

He won six supervisor races, most by comfortable margins, before announcing in January 2015 that he would not seek reelection that November.

Kathy Smith, the Democrat who succeeded him, called Frey “a really good guy” and said his death was difficult to accept. Although they belonged to different political parties, Smith said they developed a strong relationship and praised Frey’s bipartisan approach to county government.

Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity offered a similar assessment, saying it was difficult to find anyone who spoke poorly of Frey. Local service, Herrity said, was Frey’s passion.

Herrity first met Frey in the 1970s, when Frey interned for Herrity’s father, then-Board Chairman Jack Herrity. Frey later held several county staff positions and eventually became chief of staff to former Springfield District Supervisor Elaine McConnell.

His 23 years as an elected supervisor represented only part of a local-government career spanning 37 years. Even after leaving office, Frey remained involved in county and community causes. McKay said Frey appeared as energetic and engaged as ever when the two met only weeks before his death.

An enduring commitment to animals

Frey was particularly known for helping pets that struggled to find homes. Smith recalled that he deliberately began adopting animals others had passed over.

He ultimately adopted 13 animals from Fairfax County Animal Services. In recognition of his long advocacy, the county named its main animal shelter on West Ox Road for him in 2017.

The shelter honored Frey on Facebook after his death, prompting former Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova and other community members to share tributes. Bulova described him as a wonderful person, an effective supervisor and a dedicated advocate.

Other commenters said Frey’s compassion for animals set an example and left the community better for his having lived.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be made to Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter.

A legacy across western Fairfax

During Frey’s tenure, the fast-growing Sully District included parts of Chantilly, Centreville, Dulles and Herndon. Its expansion required him to become deeply involved in land-use and transportation policy.

Among the major changes during his time on the board was Route 28’s development into an important regional thoroughfare.

Frey also helped advance the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles and worked to bring the World Police & Fire Games to Fairfax County in 2015. Herrity said Frey remained a steadfast supporter of the county Police Department in both favorable and difficult times.

He was also a committed supporter of his alma mater, George Mason University.

At the Feb. 17 meeting, supervisors repeatedly emphasized Frey’s warmth and accessibility. Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn remembered meeting him as a 20-year-old county intern. While some officials might overlook someone in that position, Alcorn said, Frey took time to speak with him and treated him kindly.

Colleagues also remembered Frey’s sense of humor and enthusiasm for the Philadelphia Phillies. McKay said their conversations nearly always included plenty of laughter and described Frey as someone who fully enjoyed life.

His death follows the loss of several prominent Fairfax County figures over the previous 18 months, including Rep. Gerald Connolly, a former county supervisor; former Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerald Hyland; and former Hunter Mill District Supervisor Catherine Hudgins.

Frey was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and lived there until moving to the Washington area in 1978. His survivors include his sister, Alana Remley, along with nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

The county said Frey cherished the life he created in Virginia and regarded his colleagues, friends and constituents as family.

Details about a memorial service will be announced later. Fairfax County’s Channel 16 also plans to produce a retrospective about Frey’s life and public service.