Civic Leader, Former Mayor John Russell Dies at 89

John Russell, the only mayor in the City of Fairfax to serve two separate terms, passed away on Christmas Eve. He was 89.

Russell began his first two terms in 1970. He was elected a second time in 1982, only to cut his third term a year early (1982-83) and serve in the Virginia State Senate. He was also appointed to the state education board by former governor George Allen and held terms on the Fairfax City school board and council.

Former longtime mayor Rob Lederer said he owes his involvement in City Hall to Russell. Lederer said Russell recruited him during his third term.

"He served in a very different time politically than now. You always knew where John Russell stood on the issues and if you did not know, all you had to do was ask him and he would be happy to tell you. In fact, while John did not have to vote on issues as Mayor unless there was a tie vote he would always publicly state his position before the vote just so the community knew how he stood on an issue. He never ran from an issue nor played politics. He was a very strong leader who knew how the vote would come out before the meeting would even start. John was the type of leader that you could fight it out on an issue in the council chambers and then go out and have a beer together afterward and laugh about it.

John was my mentor and recruited me to run in 1982 when he ran for mayor the second time. He knew that a strong mayor had at least three other supporters on key issues and a weak mayor had two or less. He never wanted to be in the position as a weak mayor because the issues were very important to him and the reason he served."

City flags fly at half-staff in honor of the civic leader.

Friends and family are invited to gather at the Everly Funeral Home on Main Street from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday. The funeral service starts at 1 p.m. with interment to follow at the Fairfax City Cemetery.