Edward Joseph Shahin Jr.

Edward J. Shahin Jr., 82, of McLean Virginia, passed way peacefully on February 3rd, 2014. He was born and raised in Niagara Falls, New York. A 1953 honors graduate in Russian Linguistics from Cornell University, he moved to Washington, DC in 1955. A 1968 graduate of the Defense Department’s Program in Systematic Analysis, Mr. Shahin also held degrees in mathematics from the George Washington University and economics from the University of Maryland.

Mr. Shahin worked for the CIA for 31 years, retiring from government service as Deputy Director of Information Technology in 1985. From 1985 through 1997, he worked as a Program Manager for Computer Sciences Corporation in Falls Church. He then worked as a self-employed information technology consultant until he decided to retire for good on his 80th birthday.

In his later years, he became active in his home community of McLean, VA as a proponent of programs and services for both the young and elderly. He served on the Governing Board of the McLean Community Center (MCC), where he championed programs and events for seniors and young people; and was a key figure in the fight to save McLean’s youth center.

While at MCC, he became an avid supporter of the programs sponsored by the McLean Project for the Arts (MPA). Eventually joining the MPA Board, he served as MPA’s Board Senior Liaison, promoting the educational programs with area senior centers. He had a special affinity for MPA’s ArtReach programs serving at-risk schools and programs for seniors, particularly at Lewinsville Center, a county-run day center for seniors. He was very involved in Lewinsville Center, advocating for its funding with the county, and for Timber Lane Elementary, a Title I school, where he served as a mentor to students. He also led and organized the MPAartfest senior art tent at the annual McLean Day festival. He was particularly fond of reading to the students at Timber Lane school.

Mr. Shahin was also an active participant in the McLean Rotary Club, being awarded Rotarian of the Year in 2008. He was also a member of the Aging in McLean Task force. In 2012 he received a Molina Healthcare Community Champions Award for his advocacy work on behalf of the senior population in his community.

His hobbies included music, American Flyer model trains, and attending and watching Washington Nationals baseball games. Turning to music both in tribute to and to fill the void after the loss of his wife, Geraldine, he became a bit of a celebrity for his efforts to learn the piano at the age of 72, appearing in an NBC news story about the elderly participating in musical activities.

His beloved wife of 47 years, Geraldine Shahin of McLean passed in 2002. Survivors include his two sons, Darrell Shahin of Frederick, MD, and Dale Shahin of Alexandria, VA and their families.