James Frederick “Rick” Dalby, Jr. age 62, most recently of Falls Church, VA, died in the hospital of complications from a blood infection on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 in Fairfax, Va.
- Vigil (Wake): 6-8p, September 21, 2020, The Lee-van Schaick home (16771 Thunder Rd Haymarket VA 20169). Food and drink will be served.
- Funeral Mass: 1:30p, September 22, 2020, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 8213 Linton Hall Rd Gainesville VA 20155
- Officiating: Rev. Thomas Yehl, Y.A.
- Reception: following Mass, Nokesville Park, 12560 Aden Rd. Nokesville, VA 20181
- Interment Private
- Donations: The Lamb Center, 3160 Campbell Dr, Fairfax, VA 22031
- Survivors: Children Pallas Lee-vanSchaick and wife Candice (Haymarket), K. Logan Horne and husband Eric (Falls Church), Elizabeth (Bess)
- Dalby and companion Carlos Rodriguez (Leesburg), Morgan Dalby (Bluemont); grandchildren John, Ava, Samuel, Noah, Helena, James, John Max, Isabelle, Charlotte, Bruce, Sally, Thomas, Theodore, Gabriel, Daniel, Lavrans; father James F. Dalby, Sr.; brothers E. Fleet Dalby and wife Lisa (Winchester), Joseph Dalby and wife Dianne (Falls Church); nephew John Dalby; former wife Kate vanSchaick Taylor (Oakton)
- Predeceased: Mother Nancy Lee Everett (September 18, 2002); Uncle Bob Everett (September 8, 2019); Cousin Robert Everett (January 27, 2020)
- Ames Funeral Home inc. in Manassas is coordinating arrangements 703-368-2814.
Rick was born in Newport News, Virginia to James F. and Nancy (Everett) Dalby. He was a 1976 graduate of Newburgh Free Academy in Newburgh, NY. Rick was theatrical and enjoyed acting. His children recall boisterous singalongs to Jesus Christ Superstar in their youth and his brother remembers his “spirited” performance as Herod in the high school’s rendition of the musical. Rick had a beautiful singing voice and loved music– Often being moved to tears by the sound of a lovely performance at church, or gathering his family together to listen to something that they just had to know about!
In 1981, he graduated from the State University of New York at Albany, Summa Cum Laude; as a member of Phi Beta Kappa with a B.S. in Philosophy and Chemistry.
In a whirlwind of romance that was legendary in family history, he married Kate vanSchaick October 31, 1981. Rick and Kate saw life as an adventure, and with entrepreneurial spirit, founded their first company “Amanuensis” in 1983, a dictation company named from a word they picked up on a word-a-day calendar. Unfortunately the company didn’t make it past its first anniversary. People just didn’t understand that it wasn’t a cult.
Learning from their mistake, they went on to simplify the hook and founded Dalby Tutoring, Inc of McLean, VA, which they ran until June 2014. Known for his great wit, intellect, and ability to teach, Rick attracted thousands of students over the years, helping them not only understand difficult academic subjects, but also how to deal better with the pains of adolescence. By 2002 Dalby had been ranked the best tutoring service in the metro DC area according to Washingtonian Magazine.
Rick and Kate had their daughter Logan in 1984, Bess in 1985 and Morgan in 1989. They raised their girls together with Pallas, Kate’s son from a previous marriage. Rick always considered Pallas as his own son. The family moved to Catharpin in 1993 and began their farming adventure. Rick loved Catharpin: talking to his geese, setting off fireworks, and burning things up. He was a life-long learner, and an inveterate scientist always trying out new hobbies and experiments, from car mechanics to improv comedy to computer programming. One particular scheme saw him floating in a six foot tall tank of frigid water as an experimental weight loss program! He was known as our absent minded professor, never going anywhere without a book or two (or three) to keep him company.
Sadly, Rick and Kate parted ways in 2014, and for Rick the years following were ones of frequent illness. Through his suffering he would remember his grandchildren in whom he delighted, and who were perhaps even more delighted by him. He always had a fun toy or prank ready for them. He understood children intuitively and they gravitated toward his fun and caring personality. The week before he died he was advising his grandson Max on what battery to install into a go-kart.
Rick always thought the best of others, he was kind and magnanimous and hilariously fun and witty. He is greatly loved and missed.
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: 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
