Charles Donald Smith, who went by Don to family and friends, passed away on January 20,
2020. He was 87 years old.
Don passed in the presence of his loving and devoted wife of 65 years, Thelma Fay Wright Smith. Their happy marriage resulted in a family of four daughters—Vivian Hetrick, Cynthia Smith, Susan Wilkinson, and Barbara Cirelli—who all now greatly miss his abiding and steadfast love. He is also survived by 4 sons-in-law, 9 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.
Don Smith lived the quintessential American Dream. Born and raised in Rostraver, PA, just south of Pittsburgh, he was the third of three sons to first-generation German immigrants. He worked in the steel mills to put himself through college at California University of Pennsylvania, and then served in the U.S. Army in post-WWII Germany. He and his young bride lived off the American base, and it was during their time in Germany that Don and Thelma began their family. They returned to the United States with baby Vivian.
He began his post-Army career at Westinghouse and eventually joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he led a long, distinguished career as a civilian executive in Fort Belvoir,
VA, and Washington, DC. He attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and simultaneously earned a masters degree at Central Michigan University. He joined the ranks of the Senior Executive Service and earned the Meritorious Civilian Service Award.
Don and Thelma raised their family in Woodbridge, VA, from 1965 until a recent move to Lansdowne, VA, in 2019. He deeply loved his ever-expanding family, and for many years he and Thelma took all of their daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren on epic vacations. The grandchildren enjoyed many tropical adventures together on numerous cruises.
One of Don’s greatest joys and skills was his uncanny ability to fix just about anything. He could figure out any problem with cars, appliances, and small motors of any kind and was generous in sharing his talents. In retirement he spent many happy hours in his garage fixing and refurbishing lawn mowers for family, friends, and neighbors. To many residents of Woodbridge, he will always be fondly remembered as “the Lawnmower Man.” The family will welcome guests to a visitation, remembrance service, and reception in Dale City, VA, this Sunday:
Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home
4143 Dale Boulevard
Dale City, VA 22193
703.680.1234
Sunday, January 26, 2020
Visitation, noon–1:30; service at 1:30; reception to follow the service.
Recent Stories
The Manassas City Council voted to extend a lucrative tax incentive for Micron Technology Inc. through 2035, solidifying the semiconductor company’s continued presence in the city. The deal, passed during the February 10, 2025, council meeting, ensures Micron’s annual tax payments increase by 4% while maintaining a lower tax rate than other manufacturers.
However, the decision has raised questions about a potential conflict of interest involving Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger. Multiple sources have indicated that Davis-Younger is in a relationship with Delbert Parks, Vice President and Site Director at Micron’s Manassas facility.
Parks is named in an official letter from the mayor, dated the same day as the vote, outlining the incentives offered to Micron. During the meeting, Vice Mayor Mark Wolfe alluded to the relationship, stating that “some of the comments floating around online are BS,” referring to speculation that the mayor’s ties to Parks influenced the tax break discussions.
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors has approved a 24-acre rezoning for a new data center development along Wellington Road, despite opposition from Supervisor Bob Weir and concerns about its proximity to Unity Reed High School.
On February 4, 2025, the board approved Rezoning #REZ2024-00042, NVA05C, changing the property’s zoning from agricultural and business districts to Planned Business District (PBD) to accommodate a data center. The site, located 700 feet southwest of Freedom Center Boulevard and Wellington Road, is part of Innovation Park, an area designated for high-tech development.
The rezoning application was submitted by STACK Infrastructure, which operates data centers in multiple locations across North America, EMEA, and Asia Pacific. Some key Northern Virginia locations include:Â Manassas, Ashburn, and Leesburg.
Fredericksburg is taking another step forward to become a more walkable community with the recent start of construction off LaFayette Boulevard, which is part of the city’s Twin Lake Drive and Kensington Pedestrian Connector project.
This $2.4 million project includes extending a 10-foot wide paved shared-use path along the north side of Lafayette Boulevard between Twin Lake Drive and St. Paul Street in the City of Fredericksburg. The path will be accessible, with ramps and crosswalks built where the route intersects with Twin Lakes Drive, Springwood Drive, Kensington Place, and St. Paul Street.
The project includes a paved access point to the Virginia Central Railway Trail from the cul-de-sac of Springwood Drive, and a bike repair station will be installed at Alum Spring Park.
The process Fredericksburg City Council is following to fill the vacant Ward 3 seat could conflict with state code—especially with a provision added last year that states that governing bodies must publicly announce the names of those being considered to fill a vacant seat at least seven days before the appointment is made.
? A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras! ?
?? Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
Did you know that your food choices can impact your risk of developing dementia?
Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and
