Francis J Nathans

Francis Joseph Nathans passed away peacefully at his home in Annandale, Virginia on

January 12, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Sallyanne Harper (September 30,

1954-September 1, 2025) for 45 years, and the son of the late Glenna Mary Wall Nathans and Francis J. Nathans, Sr.

Francis was born in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia and grew up in Solebury, Pennsylvania.

He graduated from the Solebury School and La Salle University, where he majored in

history. Following college, he attended Wood-Mode Cabinetry's training and design

center based in Kreamer, PA. He worked for Wood-Mode dealers in Washington's

Crossing, PA and in Virginia. Francis was a talented carpenter and pursued his

life-long love of design. He designed and built their beautiful house in Annandale.

He, Sallyanne, and their beloved dogs, Shanna, Holly, and Annie loved their home dearly.

Francis loved cooking, gardening, bird watching, photography, and he was an avid reader

and history buff. He refurbished automobiles and spent many hours

with his brothers restoring German cars built in the1960s on the farm where they lived in the 1970s.

Known to his six younger siblings as "Frankie," he is remembered as a devoted and

caring brother who filled many shoes at various times in his life. His kind and gentle

spirit and immense wisdom carried his family through challenging times. He was a rock.

He is dearly loved and will always be missed.

Francis is survived by his brother Andrew M. Nathans, and his four sisters, Glenna M.

Haas, Mary Bridgett Hagen, Elizabeth G. Nathans, Margaret M. Nathans and their

families. His brother, Peter, preceded him in death (2011). He is also survived by his

nephews and nieces: Peter Gordon Hagen, Sr., Morgan Mary Hagen, Francis Xavier

Nathans-Dair, Evan Andrew Nathans, Aaron Joseph Nathans, Julian Adam Nathans,

Avalynn Mary Hagen, Peter Gordon Hagen, Jr., and George James Hagen.

Donations in his name may be made to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter