Francis John Biros

Obituary for Francis Biros
Francis (Frank) J. Biros of Ashburn, VA, died peacefully on August 8, 2025, surrounded by his
loving wife and family after a yearlong battle with lymphoma.
Born on January 2, 1938, in Wilkes-Barre, PA, Frank was the son of Andrew and Anna (Cicon)
Biros. He grew up in Wilkes-Barre and graduated from Benedictine High School in Cleveland,
Ohio. Frank earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Kings College in Wilkes-Barre, followed by a PhD in
Organic Chemistry from the University of Notre Dame, where he was a member of the American
Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor
Society, and the American Chemical Society (ACS). He later earned a J.D. from American
University's Washington College of Law, where he was a member of the Law Review.
Frank had a distinguished career with the U.S. government, primarily supporting the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in various roles, including Chief of the Technical Support
Branch, Acting Division Director & Deputy Division Director of CED, and Branch Chief of the
CERCLA Enforcement Division. In 1993, he moved to the U.S. Department of Justice, serving as
lead counsel and co-counsel on over 75 civil actions within the Environment & Natural
Resources Division. After retiring from government service in 2009, Frank continued to work as
a contract attorney for multiple leading Washington D.C. law firms until his full retirement in
2018.
Over the years, Frank received numerous awards, including the U.S. EPA Gold Medal Award,
four U.S. EPA Bronze Medal Awards, and U.S. EPA and DOJ Special Achievement Awards. He was
also the author of over 60 technical publications on environmental monitoring and the editor of
the U.S. FDA-Pesticide Analytical Manual.
Beyond his professional achievements, Frank's greatest pride was his family. He was
predeceased by his parents, sisters Helene, Mary, and Kay, and his first wife, Carol. He was a
devoted husband to Estelle Belisle and a loving father to Ellen Tisdale (Biros) and Jeffrey Biros.
He was also a cherished granddad to Matthew Biros, Megan Biros, Samantha Tisdale, and Quinn
Tisdale.
Frank was passionate about Notre Dame football and never missed a season. Anyone who knew
him could gauge his mood based on whether the Fighting Irish won or lost. He also loved
traveling and, in retirement, was able to travel extensively with his wife. He will be remembered
for his generosity, deep love for his family, and his signature boisterous laugh.
Frank was a resident of Vienna, VA, for over 40 years and valued the many connections he
made with his close-knit and supportive neighborhood. In retirement, he remained passionate
about learning and giving back to his community. He generously volunteered with the Fairfax
County Agency on Aging and contributed his time to American University's Washington College
of Law International Human Rights Moot Court Competition.
Formatted: Normal (Web)
Frank was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith and was an active member of the Our Lady of
Good Counsel Parish in Vienna, VA, for over 40 years. His commitment to his faith guided his
daily life, and in it he found great comfort and strength. His faith was a cornerstone of his
character, shaping the way he cared for others and lived with integrity.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered in the chapel of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church,
8601 Wolftrap Rd SE, Vienna, VA, at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, August 13, with a visitation at
10:00 AM.
The family wishes to extend its heartfelt appreciation for the competent, compassionate care
Frank received from the 41 North staffing team of the Surgery/Oncology Unit at Inova Loudoun
Hospital, Leesburg, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Inova
Heath Foundation.