Martin C Faga

Martin C. Faga of Falls Church, VA passed away on Oct. 19, 2023 due to heart failure, surrounded by his loving family. He was 82 years old. Marty was born on June 11, 1941 in Bethlehem, PA, the son of the late Corolyn and Edgar Faga. He was raised in Bethlehem, along with his sister Betsy. He received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from Lehigh University and received a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He spent six years as a Research and Development officer in the Air Force, after which he worked for the CIA for several years. In 1976, he joined the staff of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, rising to become the Staff Director. In 1989, he was appointed by President George H.W. Bush as Assistant Secretary of the Air Force and Director of the National Reconnaissance Office; he served in that role until 1993. During this time, he led the NRO through the First Gulf War and the de-classification of the existence of the NRO. Following retirement from government service in 1993, he joined MITRE Corporation as a Vice President, rising to be the President and CEO. He retired from MITRE in 2006. He remained on MITRE’s Board of Directors, and served on numerous other boards and commissions. Marty married Barbara Macklin in 1966, and they embarked on a life-long love affair. They settled in the Washington, D.C. area and raised their sons, Jeff and Scott, there. Marty loved to sail, and spent many happy hours over many years sailing the waters around Washington and Annapolis. He also enjoyed travelling with his family, and shared wonderful family vacations at many locations. Marty was extraordinarily generous with his time and exceptional talents, volunteering and donating to his parish church and other organizations. He also enjoyed mentoring many young professionals in their careers. Marty is survived by his wife, Barbara; his sister, Betsy; and his sons, Jeff and his wife Kelly and Scott and his wife Martine. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren Courtney, Patrick, Matthew, Rachel, Brian and his wife Gloriana, and Stella. His family will greatly miss his loving heart and exceptional wisdom. Funeral services are planned for 1PM on Monday, October 23 at Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Falls Church, VA. Burial will follow at 3PM at National Funeral Home, Falls Church, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make donations to Inova Schar Heart and Vascular (www.inova.org/give).