Sam Albert Mabry

Samuel Albert Mabry, 84, of Falls Church, Virginia, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 4, 2026. Known to everyone as Sam, he was born in Stockton, California, on March 27, 1942, to the late John Lawrence and Mary Catherine Mabry.

Sam grew up in the San Joaquin Valley surrounded by his extended family, including many Portuguese aunts that regularly doted on him. He enjoyed spending time on the family farm and often reminisced about his experiences. He graduated from Manteca Union High School, received his Bachelor of Arts from Santa Clara University, and pursued a master’s degree at the University of the Pacific.

In 1965, Sam and Sandra “Sandy” Starbuck Mabry moved across the country from California and settled in Arlington, Virginia, and Sam began work for his hometown Congressman, John J. McFall, Majority Whip of the U.S. House of Representatives. He remained with Congressman McFall for 13 years and rose to become his Chief of Staff. After McFall left office, Sam worked for the Speaker of the House, Thomas “Tip” O’Neill, Jr. Following his years of Congressional service, Sam transitioned to the private sector as Vice President of Government Affairs at Hercules, Inc., where he remained for more than two decades before his retirement. Not yet done with public service, Sam was elected to the Falls Church City Council and served as the Vice Mayor of the city for a number of years.

Because of the profound impact that Santa Clara and the Jesuits had on his life, Sam was determined to send his three children to Catholic liberal arts colleges. He then strongly encouraged them all to obtain graduate degrees and took great satisfaction in their accomplishments. He would proudly say that he had a teacher, a lawyer, and a dentist.

In 1984, Sam and Sandy found their dream home in Falls Church City. From the moment they moved into the historic Birch House, Sam was painting, wallpapering, refinishing floors and working in his yard. He cultivated an award winning garden which was often the highlight on the Falls Church garden tour and was featured twice in the Virginia State Garden show.

Above all, Sam was a devoted and loving grandfather to his five grandchildren. His grandkids were lucky to grow up with Sam in their lives. He rarely missed a band performance, sporting event, school assembly, or graduation, occasions upon which he happily served as the unofficial family photographer. Sam would also want us to mention the dogs in his life, Toby, Samantha, Kayla, Buttercup, Maggie, Holly and Daisy. They brought him joy and unconditional love. He relished when they excitedly jumped on him and covered him with kisses.

Sam is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Sandra; his daughter Catherine (Glen); daughter Susan (Adam); son Stephen (Megan) and grandchildren, Michael Savory, Christina Medick (Will), William Lawrence, Katherine Lawrence, and Emma Mabry

Services will be private. Memorial contributions may be sent to Washington Jesuit Academy, in memory of Sam Mabry. https://www.wjacademy.org/