Public Visitation, Funeral Service Plans Announced For VA Congressman

FAIRFAX, VA — The family of U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11th) has announced funeral arrangements for the eight-term congressman, who died on Wednesday from esophageal cancer.

A public visitation will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 26, at the Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road in Fairfax.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 27, at Heritage Fellowship Church, 2501 Fox Mill Road, in Reston.

Related: Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly Dies At 75

To accommodate all the expected attendees, supplemental parking and a shuttle service will be available from the Park and Ride – Reston South, located at 2531 Reston Parkway, Reston. Carpooling is encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks mourners to consider honoring Connolly’s memory by supporting two organizations near and dear to his heart: ArtsFairfax and the Lamb Center.

Related: VA Congressman To Retire As Cancer Returns Following Treatment

On Wednesday, Connolly’s family released the following statement:

"It is with immense sadness that we share that our devoted and loving father, husband, brother, friend and public servant, Congressman Gerry E. Connolly, passed away peacefully at his home this morning surrounded by family."

Last November, Connolly, 75, revealed that he'd been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and would immediately begin chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

The former chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and Providence District supervisor announced on April 28 that despite the treatment, his cancer had returned and he would not be seeking reelection in 2026.

Connolly's Congressional Career

Connolly, first elected to Congress in 2008, was serving his ninth term. The 11th district includes a significant portion of Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax. In Congress, Connolly was ranking member on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Before joining Congress, Connolly served 14 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, including five years as the chairman, and was credited with helping spur development of the Mosaic District, the creation of the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail and other accomplishments.

Supervisor James Walkinshaw (D-Braddock), one of the candidates running for Connolly's 11th Congressional District seat, served as Connolly's chief of staff for 10 years. Walkinshaw said Connolly's public service made a difference, from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to Congress.

"His legacy is etched into every corner of our community - from the Oakton Library and the Mosaic District to the Silver Line and the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail," said Walkinshaw. "He fought tirelessly for people and communities who most needed a voice; the unhoused, the impoverished, and those suffering from illness or addiction. But for me, Gerry Connolly was a mentor, a friend, and one of the most formative figures in my life."

Related: Choosing Connolly's Successor In Congress: What To Know