Former Dumfries councilman, community leader Kevin English dies

Longtime member of the Prince William County Democratic Party, community volunteer and former Dumfries Town Councilman Kevin English, 57, died Sunday.

Del. Luke Torian, D-52nd District, wrote on his Web site that he was shocked and saddened to learn of English’s death.

“Kevin devoted approximately 38 years of service to the Prince William County Democratic Party and I am certain that his commitment and dedication will be greatly missed,” Torian wrote. “I am extremely grateful for the manner in which Kevin supported me as a candidate and as delegate in the General Assembly. I extend my condolences to his family and to all who were touched by his life.”

English graduated from Gar-Field High School and Virginia Tech. He had been a realtor in the Dumfries area since 1985. He had been affiliated with Project Mend-A-House since 2000 and on its board of directors for six years.

“Project Mend-A-House is deeply saddened by the death of our board member Kevin English,” said Andrea M. Saccoccia, executive director of Project Mend-A-House. “He was very supportive of Project Mend-A-House’s causes and cared deeply about our vulnerable clients. Kevin always wanted to make sure that our clients remained safe and independent in their own homes.”

As a board member, English was the chairperson of the organization’s inaugural golf tournament, a duty he passed on to fellow board member and fellow Gar-Field High School graduate Rich Beamer about 18 months ago.

“The second tournament was a big success and a large part of that, in my mind, was the legwork he had done and relationships he had built up from players and sponsors. I was really sorry to hear about his passing,” Beamer said.

When Project Mend-A-House was a member of the Greater Prince William Housing Consortium, English was the lead realtor.

“He was instrumental in finding foreclosed properties that were rehabilitated into affordable housing for families. Thanks to him, these residents now live in their own homes,” Saccoccia said. “Kevin will be greatly missed; he was an outstanding member of the community who selflessly served others.”

English served two four-year terms on the Dumfries Town Council, from 1990 to 1994 and from 1996 to 2000. He ran again in 2000 but came in fourth for the three open seats.

English decided to run for Dumfries mayor in 2002 against Mel Bray.

While he lost that election, he remained a voice of many in the Dumfries community both in town matters and political matters.

A memorial visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home, 4143 Dale Blvd., Dale City. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. at St. Francis St. Francis of Assisi, 18825 Fuller Heights Road Triangle. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Project Mend-A-House, 7987 Ashton Ave., Suite 231 Manassas, VA 20109.

Staff writer Aileen M. Streng can be reached at 703-530-3907.