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Thomas R. Rose of Centreville, Virginia, passed away at home on March 19, 2019. He was born in Washington, D.C. to Juanita Neiswander. Thomas was predeceased by his daughter Sonya Rose-Moore.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Sharon Ann Blevins; daughter Seyla Rose; 8 grandchildren: Brent Austin Rose, Destinee Johnson, Devon Rose, Gaye Rose Moore, Dalhton Rose, Gabrielle Rose, Skylar Rose, Aspen Rose Moore; 19 great grandchildren: Jayden Rose Fernandez, Savannah Johnson, Christopher Johnson, Aaliyah Newman, Liam Rose, Noah McKillop, Marley Rose, Kaya Jane Rose, Destiny Briggs, Harley Moore, Hallie Rose, Phoenix Rose, Paisley Rose, Arianna Grzchowiak, Gabriel Rose, Serenity Rose, Scarlet Rose, Baby Rose and Eli Rose-Arnett.

The family invites you to a visitation on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 from 2:00-3:00 PM at Pierce Funeral Home at 9609 Center Street, Manassas, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorial contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/ – by mail at Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517, or to the American Cancer Society at https://donate3.cancer.org – by mail at American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

Jack Robert Millett of Manassas, Virginia, passed away at home on Tuesday, March 19, 2019. He leaves behind his beloved wife of over 54 years, Pamela Millett. He is also survived by his sons: Stephen Millett, Scott Millett and wife Jen; and grandchildren: Oliver Millett, Andrew Millett, Shanon Tinsley and James Tinsley.

Jack was born in Minot, North Dakota on October 10, 1938 to the late Raymond Curtis Millett and Gladys Perlichek. He received a Master’s Degree from the University of Virginia in June 1973. He served in the United States Army as a Lieutenant Colonel.

His family invites you to a visitation on Friday, March 22, 2019 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Pierce Funeral Home at 9609 Center St., Manassas, Virginia.

George Edmund Koleszar, age 77, of Manassas Virginia, died on 19 March, 2019 after a long battle with multiple cancers.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Irene Marie (Hauck) Koleszar (a.k.a. The Ladybug Lady), and four children, Loretta and Michael (son-in-law) Rossomondo of Montclair, Virginia, John Koleszar of Williamsburg, Virginia, Jean Koleszar of Lake Ridge, Virginia, and Mary Ellen Koleszar of Floyd, Virginia, a brother Robert Koleszar and Dr. Elizabeth Pallan (sister-in-law) of Eldersburg, Maryland, and three grandchildren, Justine, Jack, and Joseph. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Thomas Koleszar, an Army combat veteran of Vietnam, and his wife Jenny.

George loved and cherished his family. His wife Irene and he loved the military life, and enjoyed that it afforded the opportunity to live overseas. They gathered friends from all over and still keep in touch to this day. The military life was not easy but with a supportive family it was truly fun. Family dinners were nightly, and game nights and family vacations were a must. Traveling was one of George’s passions and he and Irene toured Germany (stationed there), and also went beyond its borders to Switzerland, France, Holland, Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, and Luxembourg, The family went on a car trip nearly every Sunday while in Germany visiting all the historical Cathedrals, museums, and hiking the Alps. Stateside, he managed to visit all 50 states, primarily due to work and a few via vacation. Along the way he developed a passion for fine dining and good wines, especially French. He believed in higher education and offered the opportunity to all his kids and set up college savings accounts for his three grandchildren. Humor and laughing were a huge part of his life. Except for some of his career photographs, it’s hard to find a picture without a warming smile or obvious laughter. George was also a philanthropist, helping many in tough financial spots and also donating monthly to various charities. He loved all of nature, especially animals with a particular fondness for birds. He lived his life devoted to his God, his family, helping those in need, and his country.

Dr. Koleszar, the son of the late George Emil Koleszar and Alice Angela (Nugent) Koleszar, was born in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up in Bloomfield, New Jersey. He attended St Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, and graduated from the New Jersey Institute of Technology with a BS degree in electrical engineering. He went on later to earn his MS degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, and a PhD degree from the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, also in electrical engineering.

Dr. Koleszar served in the United States Air Force for 20 years as a research and development engineer, a technical intelligence officer, a teacher, speech writer, and staff officer retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. His assignments included tours at the National Security Agency, Fort Meade Maryland where he helped design and develop electronic intercept equipment; the European Electronic Intelligence Center in Wiesbaden, Germany where he was Chief of Signals Analysis where his team analyzed electronic intercepts from air, land and sea platforms; Keesler Technical Training Center at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi Mississippi where he taught communications and information theory subjects, was the USAF Coordinator of the Telecommunications Management Graduate Degree Program, and was also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi; the Defense Communications Agency in Arlington, Virginia where he was Chief of the Systems Integration Office and worked on improving communications and command and control systems for U.S. Strategic and Theater Nuclear Forces; and the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon where he worked on improving the interoperability of tactical communications systems, and helped develop policy for employment of U.S. electronic warfare and C3 countermeasures and cyber warfare systems. Lt Col Koleszar’s military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster (two awards), the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster (two awards), the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

After deciding not to opt for a promotion to Colonel and continue his Air Force career, he retired from the Air Force in 1983. He continued his service at the Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA), Alexandria Virginia, a not-for-profit Federally Funded Research and Development Center, where he served as a Research Staff Member, Assistant Director, and Director of the System Evaluation Division. He retired from IDA in 2008 for medical reasons. At IDA, Dr. Koleszar directed a number of important national security studies covering a plethora of system and program issues including electronic warfare, night vision capability for Special Operations Forces, command, control and communications systems, tactical aircraft systems, force structure cost-effectiveness, and various weapon and missile systems, but he was perhaps best known for his work on stealth (low observables) and long-range aircraft systems like the B-2, B-1B and B-52 where he led numerous studies and testified several times before Congressional Defense Subcommittees. While at IDA, Dr. Koleszar authored or co-authored over 40 classified papers and reports. He also graduated from the National and International Security Management Course for Senior Executives at Harvard University. In 1992, he received the IDA award for outstanding research.

During his career, Dr. Koleszar received awards for his research and teaching, and was a member of a number of numerous professional organizations including the Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (Life Member), Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Military Officers Association of America, and Air Force Association, to name a few.

The latter part of George’s life was difficult. He battled bladder cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and an aggressive, invasive squamous cell carcinoma. He underwent numerous surgeries, chemotherapy infusions, radiation therapy, weekly drug injections, and transfusions for over a decade. Compounding the cancers, George had to endure extremely painful post herpetic neuralgia following a bout of adult chicken pox, and also suffered compression fractures of four vertebrae. The last few weeks of his life, he was in the hospital having contracted MRSA. He endured an array of tests resulting in another, inadvertently-broken vertebra. The bacteremia could not be resolved and started to affect his well-being. But he never complained, and instead tried to help other cancer patients with advice and guidance based on his own experiences. Doctors and nurses who treated George called him a survivor, a trooper, a fighter, and an extraordinary patient.

Dr. Koleszar wrote a paper guiding other cancer patients on how to deal with their cancer. It is not published with his name but is given out by the doctors and nurses to their patients at the Virginia Cancer Specialists institution.

George was a giving person and always gave back to the Church, people in need, and many charitable organizations. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Disabled American Veterans at https://www.dav.org.

The family will receive friends Sunday, March 24, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home, 3200 Golansky Blvd., Woodbridge, VA 22192. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, March 25, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 12975 Purcell Rd, Manassas, VA 20110. Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Dr. Dorothelia Y. Byrd was born in Jackson, Mississippi on October 17, 1961 to the late Glen and Mary Walker. She made her transition to the Lord on Wednesday
afternoon, March 6, 2019 after a long illness. After graduating from high school, Dr. Byrd enlisted and served 22 1/2 years in the U.S. Army; where she traveled overseas to include Korea, Hawaii, Panama and other various assignments within the Continental U.S.
She met her husband, Pastor Johnny Byrd at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. They married on September 8, 1990 in Alexandria, VA and would have celebrated their 29th anniversary on September 8, 2019.
Dr. Byrd was inspired to further her education by pursuing her Bachelors in Criminal Law and her Masters and Doctorate in Spiritual Counseling.
She served 16 years at Upper Room Covenant Church in Alexandria, VA as 1st Lady. As a Preacher and Teacher, Dr. Byrd also had a passion for the Outreach; which included hosting “Clothes Give-away” events; “Feeding the Families in Crisis” and donating food to an Alternative School in Fairfax County. With her beautiful smile, her compassion always compelled her to place others needs before her own; which made a lasting impression on everyone she met. “Dee”, as she was so affectionately called, always remembered God’s Word to serve all with a willing heart. (Lord, we thank you for your Gift of Love!)
Dr. Byrd was preceded by her grandmother, Georgia Johnson; three brothers (Charles Walker, Willie Owens and Glen Walker, Jr.); three sisters (Betty Russell, Deborah Sawyer, Wanda O’Quinn); and one niece, Shorna West.
She is survived by husband, Pastor Johnny J. Byrd of Woodbridge, VA; two daughters- Kia K. Diaz of Landover, MD and Milagros Maria Diaz of Alexandria, VA; one grandson- Martis Alexander-Diaz; three granddaughters-Makia K. Diaz-Alexander, Maite Todd and Kristan Yumika Diaz. One brother-Tommy Lee Jackson of Jackson, MS; four sisters-Patricia Atkins (David) of Alexandria, VA; Lolethia Walker of Jackson, MS; Angelina Bennett of Arlington, TX; Donna Stubb of Jackson, MS; one aunt and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends Friday, March 22, 2019 from 6-8 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home, 3200 Golansky Blvd., Woodbridge, VA 22192. Services will be held Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Miller Funeral Home at 10 a.m. with interment to follow at Mt. Comfort Cemetery.

George E. May, 72, of Stafford, passed away on Tuesday, December 25, 2018, at Vibra Hospital in Richmond, Va.

He was surrounded by his loving family. Survivors include his wife, Jeanie, his son, George and his wife, Carolanne of Stafford, his brother, Tom May and his wife, Judy, of Stafford, his sisters, Nancy Tarbell, Sally Lindsay, Therese Hone and her husband Micky of Shirley, Massachusetts, his sister, Barbara Colon and her husband Danny, of Boca Raton, Florida, two grandchildren, Christian McKenzie of Radcliff, Kentucky and Sarah May of Stafford and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert May, his mother, Florida May and two brothers, Leon May and Richard May. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 3 from 6-8 p.m. at Mullins and Thompson Funeral Service on Shelton Shop Road in Stafford.

A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 4 at Mullins and Thompson followed by a graveside service at Quantico National Cemetery at Noon. Condolences may be sent at mullinsthompson.com

Archie E. Schiff, 107, of Manassas, Va. and formerly of Pottsville, Pa. passed away peacefully on Saturday in his residence with his family by his side.

Archie was born on July 22, 1911, in New York, NY, just one year before the sinking of the Titanic. He was the son of the late Philip and Gussie (Pollner) Schiff.

He was a lifelong member of the Oheb Zedeck Synagogue, Pottsville.

Archie proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corp during WWII. He served in the China/India Burma Theater, where he was in charge of scheduling the maintenance for the Sorte flights and was known as “Old Eagle Eye” for his ability to spot aircraft before anyone else.

He was the former owner and operator of the Pottsville Window Cleaning Company for over 45 years after taking over the business started by his father.

Archie was a very fascinating and interesting man to talk with and was especially proud of the years he spent playing minor league baseball for the Pottsville team and sharing stories of all of the changes he had witnessed in his 107 years.

In addition to his parents, Archie was preceded in death by his wife, Naomi (Freilich) in 2009 and to whom he was married 60 years; sisters: Ann Ellman and Freda Schiff, and brother Isadore Schiff.

He is survived by a daughter, Susan, wife of Carl Murphy, with whom he resided in Manassas; son, Lawrence Schiff, of Hawaii; granddaughter, Elena Schiff; sister, Rose Jeser, of FL; one niece and one nephew; several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, December 12th at 10:30 a.m. in Oheb Zedeck Cemetery, Pottsville with Rabbi Brian Michelson officiating.

Lord-Bixler Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at lordbixler.com.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Archie E. Schiff, please visit our Tribute Store.

Antonio William “Tony” Rivas, III, 63, of Martinsburg, WVa. passed away Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at Berkeley Medical Center.

Tony was born in 1955 in New York, New York, the son of the late Rose Benesch and Antonio Rivas, II. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp, achieving the rank of Private 1st Class. Tony delivered mail for the United States Postal Service and was a Bellman at the Crystal City Marriott. He was of the Catholic faith.

Tony married Nina DeLong on June 17, 2007 in Manassas, Virginia.

Surviving with his wife are stepsons, Bobby DeLong of Burke, Virginia and Bruce DeLong of Woodbridge, Virginia; step-grandchildren, Eli, Hannah, Benjamin, Brooke, and Cameron DeLong; sister, Maggie Reese (Roger) of Fredericksburg, Virginia; brother, Michael Greco of New York, New York; nieces, Fayth Centeno, Verity SanSouci-Velez, and Heather Reese; and nephew, David Reese.
Tony was preceded in death by a sister, Sara Armstrong SanSouci.

A visitation will be from 10 am to 11 am on Saturday, January 5th, 2019, at Shenandoah Memorial Park Chapel with a memorial service at 11 am with Dr. Craig Bush, Pastor officiating. Interment will be in Shenandoah Memorial Park, Winchester, Virginia.

Memorial contributions may be made in Tony’s memory to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.

Please view obituaries and tribute wall at ompsfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Wanda Wall Lawson went to be with her Lord on December 15, 2018. She was a resident of Massanutten, VA for the past 13 years. Formerly a resident of Woodbridge, Va. for over 40 years. Wanda was born December 16, 1923 in Princeton, WVa. to Mr. and Mrs. John Clarence Wall.

Mrs. Lawson was preceded in death by her husband of over 70 years, Mr. James E. Lawson, Sr. Her sister Violet Wall Gillock and both of her brothers Clayton Shelby Wall and Bill Clarence Wall.

Mrs. Lawson is survived by her four children; Mr. James E. Lawson, Jr and his wife Barbara, Mrs. Cherie Hardisty and her husband Bob, Ms. Sharmon Gail Palmer, and Mr. Jory A. Lawson and wife Glenda.

Survived by her five grandchildren; Cami Lynn Howard and husband Eric, Casi Shelp and husband Paul, Michael Shepherd and wife Stacey, Stephanie McCarty and husband, Brandon, and Andrew Lawson.

Survived by her nine great-grandchildren Zachery Howard, Ryan Howard, Parker Shelp, Calee Shelp, Shelby Shepherd and Adam Shepherd, Logan McCarty, Carter McCarty, and Kayleigh McCarty.

A Memorial Service will be held at Cokesbury United Methodist Church in Woodbridge, VA at a later time followed by interment at Quantico National Cemetery.