Bill Text: VA SJR169 | 2010 | Regular Session | Enrolled

Virginia Senate Joint Resolution 169 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Celebrating the life of Frank Raflo.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2010-03-14 - Senate: Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ169ER) [SJR169 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2010-SJR169-Enrolled.html

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 169 Celebrating the life of Frank Raflo.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 18, 2010 Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 26, 2010

WHEREAS, Frank Raflo, a former Leesburg mayor and Loudoun County Board of Supervisors chairman who was also a prominent retailer, journalist, and historian, died on March 15, 2009; and

WHEREAS, born in Leesburg in 1919 to loving parents Joseph and Fannie Bulitsky Raflo, Frank Raflo was known for his sharp intellect as he attended Loudoun County public schools and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from The College of William and Mary; and

WHEREAS, a devoted family man, Frank Raflo married his high school sweetheart, Frances Atwell, and together they raised four wonderful children, Paul, Alan, Jo, and Philip; and

WHEREAS, Frank Raflo began his working life as a journalist after he graduated from college; later in life, he was editor of the now-defunct Loudoun News, hosted radio and cable TV shows, and wrote columns for the Loudoun Times-Mirror and Leesburg Today; and

WHEREAS, a gifted writer and storyteller, Frank Raflo wrote four books about his beloved Leesburg and Loudoun County; and

WHEREAS, Frank Raflo also owned two Leesburg dress shops and his presence, with his signature red suspenders and paisley bow tie, was a fixture in Leesburg; and

WHEREAS, desiring to make a difference in his hometown, Frank Raflo served on the Leesburg Town Council from 1949 until 1951 and from 1953 until 1955; as Leesburg mayor from 1961 to 1963; and on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors from 1972 until 1986, serving as board chairman in 1985; and

WHEREAS, an honest and hardworking public servant, Frank Raflo was instrumental in the creation of the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, securing parks for Loudoun County, drafting the county's first comprehensive land use plan, and championing the construction of the Leesburg Airport at Godfrey Field; and

WHEREAS, Frank Raflo also served on the Virginia Commission on Local Government for several years and under four governors, where his experience aided other communities around the state; and

WHEREAS, Frank Raflo was a charter member of the Leesburg Kiwanis Club and received the organization's highest award in 2003; and he received many other accolades and honors throughout his life, including the renaming of the former South Harrison Street Park in Leesburg in his honor; and

WHEREAS, Frank Raflo enjoyed a long and full life that was marked by hard work and commitment to his hometown of Leesburg; and

WHEREAS, Frank Raflo will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his loving wife, Frances; their surviving children, Paul and Alan, and their families; his numerous other family members and friends; and the citizens of Loudoun County; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly mourn the passing of a dedicated public servant and community leader, Frank Raflo; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Frank Raflo as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.