Press release:
Stafford County mourns the passing of Ralph Metts, a former member of the County Board of Supervisors. Metts served on the Board from 1964 to 1967 and again from 1976 to 1977. His fellow Board members elected him vice chairman in 1965, 1966, and 1967.
Col. John “Duke” Snider, 71, of Manassas, passed away on June 28, 2024. Born in Oxford, Ohio, in 1953, Snider’s early life was marked by achievements such as achieving Eagle Scout rank and excelling in various sports. His academic and military careers were equally distinguished, beginning with his time at Duke University and extending through a 30-year career in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a fighter pilot and held various command roles.
After retiring from military service, Snider continued to impact his community through various roles, including Chairman of the Manassas City Board of Elections and a Manassas City Airport Commission member. His efforts were integral to the expansion of the Manassas Airport, moving it closer to accommodating commercial flights, which was approved by the city council last year.
Throughout his life, James was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, embodying the virtues of kindness and compassion. His commitment to his faith was evident in his everyday actions and the love he shared with those around him. As a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, James’s legacy is carried on through his family, whom he adored immeasurably.
James is survived by his four children: Brenda Ferri Kennaugh, Debra Ferri Lucia, Joanne Ferri Lesher, and Thomas Ferri. He was a cherished grandfather to Mandelyne Lesher McCombe, Kaitlin Lesher, Taylor Kennaugh, David Lucia, Ryan Kennaugh, Nicole Lucia, Faith Lesher, and Matthew Kennaugh, and a proud great-grandfather to eight great-grandchildren. James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Verna Zonts Ferri.
Viviane Marie Louise “Brun” Morgan (Age 86)
Viviane Marie Louise “Brun” Morgan, 86, passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, following an extended illness.
Evelyn Scott Molinari, “Evie,” was born January 23, 1940, in “the District of Columbia” and died December 12, 2023, in Fort Collins, Colorado. Daughter of Arnold Eden Scott and Dorothy Hewlett Conway, Evie was the youngest of three children and was lovingly referred to as “Baby Sister.” Evie spent the majority of her life in northern Virginia, primarily in Arlington and Alexandria.
She attended high school at Saint Mary’s Academy in Alexandria, Virginia, and was a proud alum gathering with her “Sisters of Kiawah” for a yearly reunion in South Carolina. After high school, she prepared for a career as a secretary until she met a dashing young Navy Lieutenant on a blind date on December 31, 1960. Patrick Molinari Sr. (Pat) the love of Evie’s life; as she always told the story, “I didn’t know how I was going to make him mine, but I was going to do it!” True to her word, Pat proposed on their third date. The two were married in November 1961 and welcomed their first child Lynn in June, 1963, sons Patrick, Jr., and Scott were born in September 1964 and June 1967.
Barbara Weddel (Age 70)
Barbara Weddel, age 70, accessed Heaven on 24 January 2024, the day of God’s choosing.
Ann Kovacevich Ostrander, 84, of Cape Charles, Virginia, passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side in the early morning of December 23, 2023.
She was born in Freedom, PA, in 1939 to Sofija and Michael Kovacevich. She married Walter Ostrander in September 1963 at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. Ann and Walt settled in Dale City, VA, in 1970, where they raised three children.
She loved the Lord and always took us to church showing hospitality often to Christian college groups and missionaries. She taught for 27 years at Westgate Elementary, mostly in 2nd grade. During her last 15 years in Manassas, she was an avid Mallwalker, often going two laps. In 2015, she moved to Sayre, Pa., near Ruth (Sandberg) Houser, where she often saw her grandkids and one great-grandson Archer.
She took a great interest in people, often asking questions about their future plans. We always felt loved, and we’ll treasure the many pillowcases she decorated with needlepoint for us. She touched many hearts.
Our lives are unfinished books which we are writing day by day. When completed one day, others will read them and remember what we did and had to say.
A busy and energetic life ended December 16, 2023, when Melvin (Chops) Maurice Dunn, Jr, a resident of Manassas, VA, was called to his heavenly home. Melvin was born on August 16, 1958, in
Albert Steven McCarthy, age 87, of Haymarket, Virginia and formerly of Dale City passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 10, 2023 surrounded by his family.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce. They were married for 55 years before her death. Al and Joyce were actively involved in the Hylton Boys & Girls Club of Dale City. Coach McCarthy was a long-time youth baseball, football, and basketball coach in Prince William County, winning the Virginia State AAU 12 and under Basketball Championship in 1993. He also was an Assistant Coach with the Ocean Lakes High School Boys’ Basketball team for the 1999-2000 season in Virginia Beach where he and his wife Joyce retired in 1998. He returned to Prince William County in 2015 after the death of his wife, Joyce.
