The residents of the community of Fairfax County, Virginia are deeply saddened following the passing of their longtime public servant Michael Frey, a former member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors who died on February 15, 2026, at the age of 82. Frey served the county with distinction for more than three decades, representing the Sully District from 1984 until his retirement in 2015.
During his tenure he became known for his pragmatic approach to governance, strong advocacy for fiscal responsibility, transportation improvements, and preservation of the county’s quality of life. His decades of dedicated service left a lasting legacy of civic engagement and community impact that continues to shape Fairfax County today.
Michael Frey was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1983 and took office in January 1984, quickly establishing himself as a thoughtful, independent voice focused on responsible growth and taxpayer protection. He chaired the board’s Finance Committee for many years and played a key role in major initiatives including the expansion of Fairfax Connector bus services, improvements to Dulles-area transportation infrastructure, and efforts to maintain open space and protect the environment amid rapid development.
Colleagues across party lines respected his deep knowledge of county operations, his willingness to listen to constituents, and his ability to build consensus on difficult issues. Frey retired in 2015 after serving longer than any other current supervisor at the time, leaving behind a record of steady leadership and commitment to the residents he represented.
Beyond his formal role on the Board of Supervisors, Frey remained actively engaged in community life and continued to follow county affairs closely after retirement. He was a familiar presence at public meetings, community events, and civic discussions, always willing to share his institutional knowledge and offer perspective when asked.
Residents of the Sully District and throughout Fairfax County appreciated his accessibility, his straightforward communication style, and his genuine care for the county’s future. A Fairfax County spokesperson expressed the widespread sentiment upon news of his passing: “Michael Frey devoted his life to public service. His dedication to this community was unwavering, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to work with him.”
The circumstances of Michael Frey’s passing have not been publicly detailed beyond confirmation of his death on February 15, 2026. Tributes from current and former supervisors, county staff, community leaders, and residents have highlighted his integrity, his long record of service, and the positive mark he left on Fairfax County governance. His retirement in 2015 had been marked by bipartisan appreciation, and his death has prompted renewed recognition of the impact one individual can have through consistent, principled public service over many years.
Fairfax County and the Sully District now reflect on the profound contribution Michael Frey made during his 31 years on the Board of Supervisors and in the years that followed. His advocacy for balanced budgets, improved mobility, environmental stewardship, and responsive local government helped guide the county through periods of rapid growth and change.
