obituary

George Donald Kirschbaum, Sr., 95, of Arlington, VA, passed away on August 6th, 2025, in his home. He was the loving husband of Mrs. Marion O’Connor Kirschbaum and the proud father of George D. Kirschbaum, Jr. Born in West Orange, New Jersey, to the late Albert and Jeannette (Dreyfus) Kirschbaum, he was the youngest brother to Jean, Marion, and Edward. As a young man, Dad was an enthusiastic Boy Scout and then Sea Scout (despite not swimming a lick), and said that being a scout had a significant impact on his life. A proud graduate of Washington-Lee High School class of 1948, he was a dedicated member of the student Cadet Corps, and formed many lifelong friendships, as well as a love for the shooting sports. He was directly recruited into the CIA, working in printing and then switching to logistics. He served for ten years in the U.S. Naval Reserves as a submariner, ranging from New Haven, Connecticut, to Havana, Cuba. Upon leaving the CIA, he pursued his passion, fighting fire with the Arlington County Fire Department for almost 30 years. As a volunteer firefighter with Company 1 and then as a professional with the paid department, he found great satisfaction in helping others. Service to his community was important to him. He helped open the original Station 10 in Rosslyn and worked his way through the ranks to become a Station Commander at Station 1, where he got his start. Like his son, his men called him “Dad.”

He loved the challenge of honing the skills necessary to be a successful competitive marksman and promoted the shooting sports at every opportunity throughout his life. He loved seeing the smile on someone’s face when they started their lawn mower, which he had just fixed, with just one pull. A good action movie on TV brought a smile to his face, and he cheered on the Commanders for Sunday afternoon football, often with friends and fellow firefighters. When someone needed a hand, he was the first to offer one in return. He was warm, honest, and caring. If you were lucky enough to receive a hug from him, you knew you were someone special in his world.

Barbara “Bobbi” Ann Farley (Age 42)

Hi. my name is Leeanna Pletcher.

Yeatts Mewborne Jones, of Arlington, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025, on a scuba diving vacation in Monterey, California, at the age of 55. He was born September 27, 1969, in Newport News, Virginia. ‍He graduated from Hampton Roads Academy and obtained a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Washington and Lee University.

He was preceded in death by his mother Jonzennie Mewborne Jones and his father Ray Yeatts Jones.‍

Tom Beers of Arlington, Va., died on May 20 after succumbing to complications related to metastatic kidney cancer. He was 74.

Tom will be remembered by many, but especially his life partner of 33 years, The Honorable Todd M. Harper, and his sister, Mary Anne Beers of Andover, Minn. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Nadia C Niedojadlo (Age 59)

Nadia Niedojadlo

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dabney Miller Wharton, aged 76 years, of Arlington, Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Kim, daughters, Andrea & Kristyn, and his niece, Peggy Duggin, whom he loved dearly.

Dabney was born in Montross, Virginia, on June 20, 1948, to Lillie Mae White and Joseph Harvey Wharton. After his mother’s passing at the age of 11, his half-brother Joseph “U.B.” Wharton took guardianship of Dabney and brought him up to Arlington, Virginia, where he called ‘home’ the remainder of his life.

Arlene Edwina Hunter (Age 83)

The family of Arlene Edwina (nee Blank) Hunter would like to share that she died peacefully early in the morning on February 26, 2025 (28 Shevat 5785), while being supported by the Palliative Care team at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, VA, her home for the past 60 years.

Sara Catherine DeWalt, a resident of Arlington, Virginia, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. She was 81 years old.

Born on March 25, 1943, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Sara was the daughter of Ural and Elise Pettigrew and the sixth of seven children. She graduated from Central High School in Cape Girardeau before earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri.

Joan (Schaffer) Graver, 77, of Arlington, Virginia, passed away in January. Born and raised in Allentown, PA, she was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Schaffer, a graduate of Allen High School, United Wesleyan College and Georgetown University.

Joan was a banker, early hospice care provider and substitute teacher. She loved being outside, traveling and celebrating the holidays along with spending time with her grandchildren and the children of her neighborhood. Joan is survived by her husband Bill of 55 years, son, daughter, grandsons and granddaughter.

Walter Saxman, 95, passed away peacefully in Loudoun County, VA, on January 17, 2025. Born on March 13, 1929, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. He was the son of Harry and Kathryn Saxman, and was last of their fourteen children to pass away. Walter’s life was one of resilience, dedication, and love. A proud graduate of Latrobe High School in 1948, he served his country with honor during the Korean War, a chapter that shaped the man he became. After returning home, he was the first in his family to pursue higher education, earning a Bachelor’s Degree from California State University in California, PA, and a Master’s Degree from American University in Washington, D.C.

Walter’s career as an Industrial Arts teacher at Yorktown High School in Arlington, VA, was nothing short of impactful. He was not only a dedicated educator but a mentor who went above and beyond for his students. Through his many afterschool programs, which included auto mechanics and Drivers Education, Walter shaped the lives of countless young people, always with a patient ear and a heart full of encouragement.