Just terrible, terrible news this morning – the passing of a great Virginian and great American, who gave so much to Fairfax County, to Virginia and to America. Thank you to Gerry Connolly for his hard work, dedication, perserverance and courage – and deepest condolences to his family, his staff, his colleagues, and his many many friends.
STATEMENT OF U.S. SEN. MARK R. WARNER
~ On the passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly ~
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the below statement on the passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly:
“I am heartbroken over the loss of my dear friend Gerry Connolly.
“I’ve known Gerry for more than 35 years. To me, he exemplified the very best of public service. Just this past Sunday, I was honored to join his wife Smitty, daughter Caitlin, and the Fairfax community in celebrating his decades of service. While Gerry couldn’t be there in person, his presence was felt throughout the room. He was there in spirit, as he always is when people come together in the name of service and progress.
“Gerry was a fighter. His sharp mind, boundless energy, and deep commitment to the people of Northern Virginia made him a force to be reckoned with, whether on the Fairfax Board of Supervisors or in Congress. He met every challenge with tenacity and purpose, including his final battle with cancer, which he faced with courage, grace, and quiet dignity.
“Today, my thoughts are with Smitty, Caitlin, and all who loved him. We have lost a giant in Virginia public life, and he will be deeply missed.”
“Today, we mourn the loss of a true giant in Virginia politics and a tireless fighter for our Commonwealth. Congressman Gerry Connolly embodied what it means to be a public servant. Over decades of leadership — first as Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and then as a Congressman for 16 years — he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the people of Fairfax County, Northern Virginia, and beyond.
Gerry never wavered in his pursuit of justice, equity, and good government. He was a champion for federal workers, a defender of democracy, and a fierce advocate for Virginia on the national stage. His sharp intellect, quick wit, integrity, and deep devotion to making our country a better place earned him the respect of colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
On behalf of the Democratic Party of Virginia, I offer our deepest condolences to his family, his staff, and the countless Virginians and Americans whose lives he touched. We will honor his legacy by continuing the work he cared about so deeply: fighting for a government that works for everyone.
Gerry Connolly’s service will not be forgotten. His impact will endure.”
VA State Senator Louise Lucas: “From local office to the halls of Congress, Gerry Connolly served Virginians with a true spirit of public service. We are all incredibly saddened by this news.”
VA Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell: “Gerry was a force of nature in Fairfax County and left his marks all around his community and all who met him. We all would be better served to emulate his passion to help others and make the world a better place.”
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Beyer Statement On The Passing Of Gerry Connolly
May 21, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) – Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement on the passing of his longtime friend and colleague, Congressman Gerry Connolly:
“Gerry Connolly was one of a kind, and I am heartbroken that he has passed.
“Gerry will leave a towering legacy of accomplishment in Fairfax County, he was a forceful advocate for our region and the people in it. Everyone who runs for office says they want ‘to get stuff done,’ but comparatively few actually succeed. Gerry got stuff done for years in Fairfax, where he advocated successfully for projects including the Silver Line and the Cross County Trail, which now bears his name. Then he brought the same attitude and outlook to Congress, where he wrote and passed a major postal reform, led efforts to create the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission, and was one of the most tireless and active advocates for the federal workforce ever to serve in Congress. Gerry was especially proud to have been named the House’s ‘most effective legislator,’ and to have earned the trust of his colleagues to lead our Caucus on oversight and government reform, topics he knew more about than almost anyone.
“Everyone who worked with him knew Gerry as a pugnacious fighter for his constituents, for good government, and for a range of causes around the world. He was also warm, witty, and loyal, and he loved acting in community theater as a company member of the Providence Players of Fairfax. Above all, Gerry was beloved by his family, friends, and staff. Megan and I send our condolences to all of them, and especially my best wishes to Smitty, Caitlin, and their family.”
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